Lariah Joyce Cox

On April 30, 2026, at approximately 2:35 P.M., police officers were dispatched to a shoe store in Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota. The reporting party stated that a woman, later identified as LARIAH JOYCE COX ([DOB redacted]), had stolen shoes and was assaulting an employee (hereinafter “Victim”). Upon arrival, a police officer observed COX assaulting Victim. The police officer detained COX in the store. Police officers then spoke with several witnesses about the incident. It was determined that COX had been in the store selecting shoes.

Then, COX removed the shoes from the store without paying. In the process of leaving, COX pushed Victim. During the struggle, COX dropped her cell phone. COX then returned to the store because she believed Victim had her phone. Then, COX struggled with and assaulted Victim by punching her. Victim repeatedly demanded that COX stop. A police officer took a statement from COX. COX initially provided a false name, which was later determined to be a deceased person. COX explained that she came to the shoe store to steal items for some upcoming birthday gifts.

COX admitted to selecting four pairs of shoes and exiting the store with them. COX denied pushing Victim but admitted that she “leaned” into her. When COX realized she no longer had her phone, she returned to the store. COX has numerous prior qualified convictions in the last three years. COX was convicted of fifth- degree assault on January 22, 2026 (court file no.: ••-CR-••-••••); fourth-degree assault on June 2, 2025 (court file no.: ••-CR-••-••••); fourth-degree assault on November 1, 2023 (court file no.: 27-CR-23- 10969); and fifth-degree assault on November 1, 2023 (court file no.: ••-CR-••-••••).