Woman Charged in Apartment Garage Burglary in Burnsville; Prosecutors Cite Broader Metro Crime Pattern
Published: April 16, 2026
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA - A 23-year-old Minneapolis woman is facing a felony charge in Dakota County after authorities say she assisted in a burglary inside a private apartment garage in Burnsville, while also being linked to a broader pattern of property crimes across the Twin Cities metro.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Samantha Louise Cooper has been charged with third-degree burglary, a felony under Minnesota law that carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Burglary Reported in Progress
Officers were dispatched around 9:55 p.m. on April 13, 2026, to a report of a burglary in progress at the Itokah Valley Townhomes complex located off of Riverwood Drive in Burnsville. Investigators allege Cooper and an unidentified male accomplice forced entry into a secured private parking garage by defeating the door’s locking mechanism.
Once inside, the male suspect allegedly moved through the garage attempting to open vehicle doors, while Cooper remained near the entrance. Authorities say Cooper’s role was to stand by the door and watch for anyone entering, effectively assisting in the burglary.
Officers arriving on scene located Cooper near the garage entrance and took her into custody. The male suspect fled and has not been apprehended.
Statements to Police
After being read her rights, Cooper told officers that neither she nor her accomplice lived at the apartment complex and acknowledged she was not authorized to be there.
According to the complaint, Cooper said the pair went to the location after her accomplice stated he needed to “come up on something,” which she understood to mean obtaining money. She told officers she believed he may have intended to steal a bicycle.
While Cooper denied actively acting as a lookout during this incident, she admitted she had previously served as a lookout for the same individual during other criminal activity.
False Identification, Additional Concerns
Prosecutors allege Cooper initially provided multiple false names and a false ID before ultimately identifying herself to officers. Court documents also indicate Cooper was found in possession of drug paraphernalia, including hypodermic needles, prompting prosecutors to request drug-related conditions if she is released.
Authorities are seeking bail, citing public safety concerns and risk of nonappearance.
Linked to Broader Metro Investigations
Court documents state that Cooper and her accomplice are suspected of a series of garage burglaries across the metro area, though additional charges in those cases have not yet been announced.
Court records further show Cooper has two pending theft-related cases, including allegations involving motor vehicle theft and fleeing from law enforcement in Hennepin County, one of which had charges filed the day before this incident, tied to Robbinsdale and Bloomington, Minnesota.
Separate Hennepin County Case
In a separate case filed in Hennepin County, Cooper, identified in court records as Shalena Rae Cooper, with the same date of birth, is facing multiple charges tied to a January 2026 incident in the Bloomington and Robbinsdale areas.
Those charges include:
Motor vehicle theft
Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle
Driving while impaired (controlled substance)
According to that complaint, law enforcement identified a stolen vehicle traveling through Robbinsdale on January 29, 2026, and attempted a traffic stop. The driver allegedly fled at speeds between 60 and 80 miles per hour, weaving through traffic and using the shoulder to pass vehicles.
After the vehicle stopped, Cooper was arrested. Authorities say she initially provided a false name and date of birth, later admitting she did so due to active warrants.
Investigators also reported finding drug-related items in the vehicle, and Cooper allegedly told officers she had ingested fentanyl prior to her arrest. A subsequent blood test reportedly detected amphetamine and methamphetamine in her system.
Ongoing Legal Process
The Dakota County case remains active, and Cooper is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Authorities have not yet identified or apprehended the second suspect involved in the Burnsville garage burglary.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
