Police say the suspect scanned a $329 computer monitor as a banana while using the self-checkout.
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — A 51-year-old Pinellas Park man already facing serious felony charges was arrested again this week, this time accused of exploiting a self-checkout kiosk to steal hundreds of dollars in merchandise from a Walmart.
According to an arrest affidavit, Bruce Wayne Higgins Jr. was taken into custody by Pinellas Park police on May 2 after loss prevention officers observed him “skip scanning” items at a Walmart Superstore on U.S. Highway 19. Police say Higgins scanned a $329 computer monitor as a banana while using the self-checkout, then failed to properly scan additional merchandise before attempting to leave the store.
The total value of the stolen items was $525.68, police said. The alleged theft was captured on surveillance video captured, and Higgins was detained without incident. After being read his Miranda rights, Higgins denied intentionally stealing the items, telling officers it was a mistake caused by exhaustion from working overnight, the affidavit states.
Higgins was charged with petit theft between $100 and $750, a misdemeanor under Florida law. Jail records list him as unemployed and living in St. Petersburg.
The arrest comes less than a year after Higgins was jailed on far more serious allegations. In June 2025, Pinellas Park police arrested Higgins following an investigation into lewd and lascivious battery involving two teenagers, ages 16 and 17. Detectives said Higgins used electronic communications and a rideshare service to arrange transportation for the teens from the Daytona area to his Pinellas Park apartment.
That investigation led to multiple felony charges, including lewd or lascivious battery, traveling to meet a minor, and drug trafficking after detectives reported finding large quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs in his apartment. Police at the time urged anyone with additional information to contact investigators.
Higgins’ latest theft case remains under review.