Man Charged with Felony Theft After Allegedly Stealing Nearly $2,700 in Merchandise from Burlington Coat Factory in Apple Valley
Published: April 10, 2026 | Last Updated: April 10, 2026 at 11:40 am.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - A Minneapolis man is facing a felony theft charge after authorities say he stole more than $2,600 worth of merchandise from a retail store in Apple Valley and attempted to flee from law enforcement.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Matthew Wade Sorenson, 45, of Minneapolis, has been charged with one count of felony theft (aggregating between $1,000 and $5,000).
Alleged Theft and Arrest
The incident occurred on Friday, April 3, 2026, when officers with the Apple Valley Police Department responded to a report of a theft at a department store, identified in court documents as Burlington Coat Factory. Store employees reported seeing Sorenson pushing multiple shopping carts in the parking lot filled with unpaid merchandise. The carts’ wheels had reportedly been electronically locked, indicating suspected theft.
An employee documented the incident by taking photos and video, which allegedly showed Sorenson loading merchandise into a burgundy Chrysler Town and Country van. Before officers arrived, Sorenson left the scene in the vehicle. However, law enforcement located and stopped him just a few blocks away. Authorities say he was found in possession of numerous clothing items with tags still attached.
The total value of the stolen merchandise was estimated at $2,647.75, according to the complaint.
Attempted Flight, Additional Findings, Bail
Court documents state that after being stopped by police, Sorenson allegedly fled on foot but was quickly apprehended following a short pursuit. He later told officers he ran because he believed he had outstanding warrants.
During the booking process at the jail, authorities reportedly discovered multiple baggies containing a crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine on his person. Court documents state that prosecutors requested drug-related conditions as part of his pretrial release.
The prosecution requested that Sorenson’s bail be set at $10,000 without conditions or $7,000 with conditions. The judge ultimately set it at $5,000 without conditions and $2,000 with conditions. Based on records from the Dakota County Jail, it appears he has posted bail, as he is no longer being held there. His next court date is April 29, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Hastings, Minnesota.
Prior Criminal History
Court documents note Sorenson has a significant history of theft-related offenses. Since January 2021, he has accumulated 16 theft-related convictions.
In April 2024, Sorenson pleaded guilty in a separate case in Ramsey County and was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for stealing $1,221 worth of merchandise from a Target store.
Prosecutors cited both his criminal history and the alleged attempt to flee from officers as reasons for concern about his likelihood to reappear in court.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
