On or about December 16, 2025, Golden Valley Police responded to a theft in progress that occurred at Menards located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Call notes stated that a male that was either drunk or high, was yelling and causing problems. The male was described as black, wearing a black shirt and was near the registers. While this disturbance was happening, two individuals were observe taking items from Menards and walking out without paying for those items. The two unidentified suspects passed all points of sale without attempting to pay for the products.
The male in the store then left Menards and got into the red Mazda, later identified as stolen. It is unknown who was driving the Mazda. Police were able to locate the Mazda and arrest PAUL ANTHONY RICE [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein. Defendant was around vehicle, and the other two individuals fled the vehicle on foot. The items that were stolen a snow thrower and a chainsaw valued at $798.88. Defendant has a few prior felony theft convictions. Notably felony convictions in ••-CR-••-•••• and 27- CR-22-23320. Those convictions were entered on 11/23/2022 and 11/22/2022. Defendant also has a few pending non-felony theft violations at this time.
Defendant is in custody for this offense.
