On March 13, 2026, at approximately 9:49 P.M., law enforcement officers were dispatched to Target in Edina, Hennepin County, Minnesota, on a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was observed on camera parked outside the business. Subsequently a male exited the store and entered the vehicle. Officers followed the vehicle, losing sight of it for a period of time before observing it again at the intersection of France Avenue and Parklawn Avenue. The vehicle accelerated from the intersection at a high rate of speed.
An officer pursued the vehicle as it traveled approximately 65 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone. As the vehicle approached the intersection of France Avenue and 66th Street, the suspect vehicle traveled around approximately 20 vehicles stopped at the red light. The suspected vehicle then proceeded illegally through the red light. The officer initiated a traffic stop by activating the squad overhead emergency lights. The suspect vehicle then entered Highway 62 eastbound, proceeding at a high rate of speed away from the officer.
The officer deactivated the pursuit. Through investigation, the suspect driver was identified as ROBERT EUGENE SMITH [DOB REDACTED]. While in Target, SMITH was observed selecting an iPad and leaving the store without presenting payment. The value of the iPad is $300. SMITH was located in this stolen vehicle on March 21, 2026, in St. Paul. An officer met with SMITH while in- custody on March 31, 2026, and he agreed to provide a Mirandized statement. SMITH admitted to stealing the iPad from Target.
He stated he left Target with the iPad and saw the police coming after him. SMITH is currently in custody in another jurisdiction. A WARRANT is therefore requested.
