Known Shoplifter Nabbed in Apple Valley Target: Stolen Merchandise Worth $1,877.62
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - Officers with the Apple Valley Police Department were dispatched to the Target off Pilot Knob Road in Apple Valley, Minnesota, around 2 PM on March 8, 2024, after they received a report of a known shoplifter from the Target asset protection manager.
According to the criminal complaint released by the Dakota County Attorney's Office, Nathan Hill was the suspect in the theft of over $1,400 worth of merchandise from multiple stores across the region. Reportedly, Hill would use the "pay with the app" or decline credit card when checking out, not pay for the items, and walk out of the store with the merchandise.
During this last incident, Hill was seen by officers leaving the store with merchandise after failing to pay for it, and Hill was placed under arrest. After being given his Miranda rights, officers asked him if he would like to speak about this incident, to which he said, "I mean, yeah, sure." Officers reportedly told Hill he was captured on camera at numerous stores, exiting them without paying for the merchandise. Hill, according to the criminal complaint, nodded his head up and down. Officers asked Hill if he had been at other stores that day, and he admitted to being at a Lakeville store. When asked why he stole the merchandise, he said it was "hard out here."
Law enforcement was given the reports and video of at least six theft incidents that Hill was connected to dating back to February 16, 2024. Two incidents occurred on February 16th in Apple Valley and Lakeville, February 17th in Savage, March 7th in Savage, and twice again on March 8th in Lakeville and Apple Valley. The final Apple Valley theft was where he was officially caught. According to court records, Hill might also be connected to additional thefts in Burnsville and Roseville, Minnesota. We are working to clarify those details.
The total amount of the merchandise stolen from all six incidents was $1,877.62.
According to the criminal complaint, he is being charged with one Felony count of Theft (Aggregating) (Over $1,000 up to $5,000). His bond was set at $5,000 without conditions and $3,000 with conditions, and he was banned from all Target stores. This case remains open, so he is considered innocent until proven guilty. His next court date is April 24, 2024, at 1:30 PM in Hastings, Minnesota.
Dakota County Jail
