On May 25, 2025, Blaine Police were notified of a shoplifting incident that had occurred on May 24 at the Target in Blaine, Anoka County, where two women had entered the store, picked up two Ninja Slushi machines valued at $349.99 each, and left with the merchandise, making no attempt to pay. One of the suspects had also been seen committing identical thefts the same day at the Brooklyn Park and Eagan Target stores. By observing the distinctive tattoos and hairstyles of the suspects on surveillance footage, officers identified the Blaine thieves as Lanisha Monique Melton ([DOB REDACTED]) and Rolanda Natasha Lott ([DOB REDACTED]). The thefts occurred as follows: On April 6, 2025, Lott entered the Minnetonka Target and stole a pair of pants valued at $31.40. On May 24, 2025, Lott entered the Shoreview Target and stole a Ninja Slushi machine valued at $349.99. On May 24, 2025, Lott and Melton entered the Eagan Target and stole a Ninja Creami machine valued at $579.99. On May 24, 2025, Lott and Melton entered the Brooklyn Park Target and each one stole a Ninja Slushi machine valued at $349.99, along with several other items, bringing the total theft loss to $1399.96. On May 24, 2025, Lott and Melton entered the Blaine Target and each one stole a Ninja Slushi machine valued at $349.99. On May 24, 2025, Lott entered the Burnsville Target and stole a Ninja Slushi machine valued at $349.99. In total, Lott’s actions cost Target a total of $4,024.88, and Melton’s actions cost Target a total of $2,679.92. Given that the same items were stolen each time, all on the same day, and it is implausible to believe that someone would need seven identical drinkmakers, it is reasonable to infer that this was coordinated retail theft with intent to resell the items.
