Detroit Lakes Man Charged In Menards Wire Theft
Detroit Lakes (trfnews.i234.me) – A Pelican Rapids man is facing a felony theft charge in Becker County District Court.
The charge follows two reported thefts from Menards in Detroit Lakes.
According to the criminal complaint, Said Jama Elmi, 23, of Pelican Rapids, is charged with felony theft. The case was filed in Becker County District Court under court file number 03-CR-26-175.
The complaint says the alleged thefts happened on or about April 22, 2025. Both incidents were reported by Menards in May 2025.
Two Theft Incidents Reported
Court documents say Menards reported two separate thefts by the same person. The incidents happened at different times on the same day.
The complaint says both incidents were recorded on store surveillance video.
Investigators later identified the suspect as Said Jama Elmi, according to the complaint.
Authorities allege Elmi was seen at the store at 10:47 a.m. He was also allegedly seen again at 4:07 p.m.
In both incidents, the complaint says Elmi parked a red four-door car in the parking lot.
He then allegedly entered the store through the Garden Center entrance with a shopping cart.
Copper Wire Allegedly Taken
According to the complaint, Elmi walked to Aisle 7 inside the store.
He allegedly picked up a 32-gallon trash can.
The complaint says he then went to Aisle 10. There, he allegedly filled the trash can with rolls of copper wire.
Investigators allege Elmi placed a lid on the trash can. He then left through the Garden Center.
The complaint says he did not attempt to pay for the items.
Surveillance video allegedly showed Elmi loading the items into his vehicle. He then left the store, according to court documents.
The morning theft totaled $1,248.99, according to the complaint.
The afternoon theft totaled $1,787.98.
Felony Charge Filed
Elmi is charged with theft-take, use, or transfer movable property without consent.
The charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 609.52.
The offense level is listed as a felony.
The complaint says the maximum sentence is five years in prison. It also allows a $10,000 fine, or both.
Court records can be searched through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
A criminal complaint is not a conviction.
Elmi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
