M., Winona Police Officers (Officers) were dispatched to a business located on east Highway 61, in the City and County of Winona, Minnesota, regarding a theft in progress. The caller (Witness) was providing dispatch with updates about a male suspect who was taking merchandise out of packaging inside the store. Witness identified the suspect as a Caucasian male who was wearing a green Packers jacket and brown/white shoes. When Officers arrived at scene, they positioned themselves outside of the entrance/exit doors.
Witness continued to provide Officers with updates. Witness advised dispatch that the male suspect had a box cutter and was using it to take off “spider wrap” which is an anti-theft device placed on merchandise. Witness informed the Officers the damage to the spider wrap was approximately $250. A few minutes later, Witness told dispatch the subject was exiting the doors through the east exit. Officers positioned themselves at the east exit. A male subject matching the description provided by Witness, passed all points of sale and exited the door.
Officers approached the male and immediately gave him commands to place his hands up and then took him into custody without incident. Officers conducted a pat down of the subject for weapons and located two CO2 style air guns on his person. The subject was identified as Dean Jacob Mickelson, [DOB REDACTED] (Defendant). Officers escorted Defendant to the loss prevention room to be searched for additional weapons and merchandise. Officers located several other small pocketknives on Defendant. The value of the merchandise taken was less than $500. Officers read Defendant the Miranda warning.
Defendant indicated he would speak to Officers. Officers asked Defendant why he was stealing knives and CO2 pistols. Defendant stated he was planning on selling the merchandise to get money for his drug problem. Officer pointed out three knives that were on Defendant’s person. Defendant indicated that the red handled metal clippers and yellow box cutter belonged to him. Officer asked Defendant what he was using to open the merchandise, and Defendant told him the red metal clippers. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn.
Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
