On March 9, 2026, Maple Grove Police identified a suspect that was involved in multiple thefts from Menards, located at 16500 96th Ave N in Maple Grove, Hennepin County. The theft suspect was identified by investigators through the collaboration of multiple agencies in different states in which he has gone into a Menards or Home Depot, selected various items, and walked out the front of the store and left. Through his eventual arrest in Kentucky, the suspect was identified as AARON JOSE RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ [DOB REDACTED], Defendant herein.
On September 21, 2025, at about 7:25 P.M., Defendant walked into the Maple Grove Menards with an adult female and child. Defendant then made several selections of drills and put them in the cart. He walked past the checkout employee, and when asked about the merchandise, he said he only speaks Spanish. He walked out without paying for or forfeiting any of the items, loaded them into a vehicle, and drove away. The total value of merchandise he stole on this date was $2,706.94. On October 21, 2025, at about 5:14 P.M., Defendant walked into the Maple Grove Menards with the same adult female and child.
Defendant again selected various power tools, and two jackets, and walked past a checkout and to the exit without paying for or forfeiting any of the items. Loss prevention employees apprehended them at the exit, and Defendant was uncooperative but abandoned the cart and items and drove away. The total value of merchandise Defendant stole on this date was $3,423.93. The total value of merchandise Defendant has stolen across these two thefts is $6,130.87. Defendant is believed to live outside of Minnesota, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Therefore, the State respectfully requests this Complaint be issued as a warrant.
