Man Charged in Multiple Ramsey County Walgreens Robberies After Allegedly Leaving Cellphone Behind
Ramsey County Jail booking photo
Published: April 16th 2026
SAINT PAUL MN: A Ramsey County man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly attempting a series of robberies at two St. Paul Walgreens locations on April 13th, according to a criminal complaint. The complaint states the suspect allegedly left behind a cellphone during one of the incidents.
Kaylin Lee Washington, 37, is charged in Ramsey County District Court with two counts of first-degree aggravated robbery, one count of second-degree aggravated robbery, two counts of simple robbery, and one count of fifth-degree drug possession.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 13, 2026, at approximately 3:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to a reported robbery at a Walgreens located on Arcade Street in St. Paul. The complaint states a store manager had pepper spray on his face when officers arrived.
The complaint alleges that Washington approached the counter and asked to purchase a lighter. When the register was opened, he allegedly reached over and attempted to take cash from the drawer. When the manager intervened, Washington allegedly sprayed him with pepper spray. A customer assisted in attempting to restrain Washington, but he fled the store.
During the confrontation, the complaint states Washington left behind a cellphone, a vape device, and a small baggie containing a substance that later tested positive for cocaine, weighing approximately 0.63 grams. Surveillance video is described in the complaint as consistent with the manager’s account.
While officers were still at that location, the complaint states a second robbery was reported at another Walgreens on Old Hudson Road approximately six minutes later.
According to the complaint, Washington allegedly approached the register with merchandise and attempted to access it by manipulating the register screen. When a cashier attempted to stop him, Washington allegedly pushed the employee. Additional employees responded, and Washington fled the store.
The complaint states employees followed him outside, where Washington allegedly turned and pointed a can of pepper spray at them before attempting to enter a vehicle. When unable to get inside, he fled on foot. Surveillance footage is described in the complaint as consistent with the employees’ accounts.
The complaint states officers later located a vehicle connected to the incidents and spoke with the driver, who reported transporting Washington to both Walgreens locations. The driver stated Washington told him he would be “in and out” getting cash at the first store. The driver also reported that Washington left his cellphone behind at the first location and that he later contacted Washington’s brother after witnessing part of the second incident.
According to the complaint, officers later located Washington near a residence on Bush Avenue. When an officer approached and told him to come talk, Washington allegedly fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. A search incident to arrest reportedly recovered a can of pepper spray from his pocket.
Washington declined to give a statement, according to the complaint.
The complaint further states Washington has at least one active warrant and a prior felony conviction for possession of ammunition or a firearm by a person prohibited due to a crime of violence.
All charges are based on allegations contained in the criminal complaint, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.