On July 24, 2025, at approximately 4:38 A.M., police responded to Kowalski’s, [ADDRESS REDACTED], St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, on a report that a man twice entered the closed grocery store without permission and stole multiple items. Upon arrival, police spoke with the complainant/employee, TAA, who stated that they keep the front sliding door unlocked in the morning prior to opening while employees enter and stock the store. At approximately 4:25 A.M., TAA was advised that there was a “homeless” male in the store.
TAA observed the male walk around the store and grab a rack of ribs. TAA advised the male that the store was closed and to leave. The male left with the ribs and ate them in the parking lot. Shortly thereafter, the male came back into the store by sliding the closed door open. The male stole a drink and more items from the store. The officer observed a sign on the front door of the store that reflected store hours were from 6:00 A.M. To 10:00 P.M. The officer advised TAA that he would be in the parking lot in case the suspect returned.
A short time later, an employee approached the officer to advise that the suspect approached staff in the loading dock. The officer went to the loading dock area and located the suspect, later identified as CHRISTIAN ROBERT NEWMAN – [DOB REDACTED], lying on a bench. Next to NEWMAN was a piece of cheese that was packaged but opened. When asked where he got the cheese, NEWMAN did not respond. NEWMAN was not forthcoming with his identity. As the officer escorted NEWMAN to his squad car, he again asked NEWMAN where he got the cheese, and NEWMAN responded that he purchased it from the store.
The officer also observed plastic rib packaging on the stairs next to the parking lot. TAA confirmed that NEWMAN was the male in the store without permission and that the cheese was stolen from the store. NEWMAN advised jail staff that he got into a car accident at 2:00 P.M. NEWMAN also reported that he swallowed a lot of drugs. NEWMAN was evaluated at Regions Hospital then transported back to jail. Following a Miranda advisory, NEWMAN said he was never at Kowalski’s then said someone planted the cheese.
NEWMAN later reported that he got the cheese and ribs from his home near Kowalski’s. When asked the address, NEWMAN responded, “725 f*** off.” NEWMAN then repeatedly apologized and said he was in a car crash.
