On April 20, 2026, an adult male, fully identified in police reports, herein “Victim,” called dispatch to report an auto theft. Victim reported that he had been staying at a motel in Lakeville, Dakota County, Minnesota, on Friday, April 17, 2026, when his vehicle was stolen. Victim explained that he had an acquaintance in the room with him on Friday the 17th. Victim identified that acquaintance as MARIAH LYNN WAKONABO ([DOB redacted]). Victim stated that when he woke up the next morning, his car keys and vehicle were missing.
The vehicle is a 2014 Dodge Avenger with Minnesota License Plate No. TSC 665. Victim stated that on April 17, 2026, he picked up a friend of his, L. T., and they went to the motel in Lakeville. WAKONABO came to the motel as well, and all three individuals were hanging out in the room after arriving at approximately 5:30 PM. WAKONABO is reported to be a friend of L. T. Victim recalled that on Friday evening, L. T. Fell asleep on the bed in the motel room. Victim said that he then went to take a shower.
Victim stated that WAKONABO told him she wanted to go home, and that she planned on calling an Uber. Victim eventually went to sleep, as well, and he was unsure what time WAKONABO left. When Victim woke up the next morning, he saw the keys to his vehicle were gone and his vehicle was not in the parking lot of the motel anymore. Victim stated he did not give anyone permission to drive his vehicle. Both Victim and L. T. Attempted to call WAKONABO to tell her to give the vehicle back. WAKONABO did not answer any of their attempted communications.
Officers spoke with WAKONABO on the phone. WAKONABO denied knowing Victim, denied knowing L. T., denied being in lakeville on April 17, 2026, and denied taking the vehicle. Law enforcement reviewed surveillance from the motel Victim and L. T. Stayed at. The three parties are seen arriving to the motel around 5:30 PM to check in. WAKONABO is seen on surveillance wearing white shoes, a black long sleeve crop top, black pants, and a black purse. At approximately 11:30 PM on April 17, 2026, WAKONABO, wearing the same clothes she came in, is seen leaving the motel.
WAKONABO is seen running through the parking lot, getting into the driver’s seat of Victim’s vehicle, and driving away. The vehicle was later recovered, unoccupied, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The vehicle had damage 2 19HA-CR-26-609 Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 4/30/2026 throughout its exterior. WAKONABO’s whereabouts are currently unknown.
