On March 19, 2026, Woodbury Police Department Officer Miller was dispatched for a theft report at Dick's Sporting Goods in Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota. He spoke to one of the managers of the store, MC. MC stated that a male had just left the store after concealing a Garmin fish finder in his backpack. MC further stated that, on March 9, 2026, the same male had entered the store and attempted to steal the item but was deterred by staff. MC stated that they later located the item a few aisles down along with a pair of pliers.
On March 19, MC stated that he was alerted by staff that a male had entered the store with what appeared to be an empty backpack. He was advised that the same male walked out of the store with the bag now full. MC stated that he went to the aisle end where the items are held (with only one of each kind out) and the Garmin was gone. Down a nearby aisle, MC found the spider wire wrap for the Garmin. The wire was not cut or damaged, indicating a strong magnet would have been needed to remove it. MC reported that he watched video in the store and described the male as a younger white male, wearing a light-colored jacket with jeans, boots and a blue and yellow Minnesota Twins new era flat brim hat.
The male was observed leaving the store and running across the parking lot. The male did not attempt to pay for any items and passed all points of sale. The male entered a black Chevrolet Cruze with an intentionally covered license plate. MC reported the value of the Garmin was $1,199.00. On May 1, 2026, Officer Miller, was driving in the area of Cub Foods in a fully marked squad car. As he was exiting the parking lot, he observed a black Chevrolet Cruze enter the parking lot. The vehicle was driven by a white male wearing a blue and yellow flat bill hat.
Officer Miller recognized this vehicle from the theft from Dick's that occurred on March 19. He reversed and turned around on the vehicle. The vehicle parked at Shane Company and the male exited the vehicle. As Officer Miller was pulling behind the vehicle, the male circled around and removed the plate cover revealing a temporary Minnesota tag. Officer Miller activated his emergency lights and approached the male. The male quickly threw the piece of paper threw the crack in his window. He informed the male he was under arrest for theft and placed him in handcuffs.
Officer Miller located a magnet on his person. The male was identified as DALTON MARTIN WRIGHT [DOB REDACTED]. Officer Miller read Wright a Miranda warning and he confirmed that he understood. He informed Wright that he wanted to talk about the theft of the fish finder. Wright stated, "I obviously did it and got rid of it." Officer Miller clarified if that he meant he flipped it and he stated "I got rid of it.
