Man Charged After Allegedly Stealing Nearly $725 in Merchandise from Eagan Outlet Mall Store, Running From Police
Published: August 7, 2026
EAGAN, MINNESOTA: A St. Paul man is facing felony theft and misdemeanor fleeing charges after prosecutors say he stole nearly $725 worth of merchandise from an Eagan retail store before attempting to flee on foot from responding officers.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Ryan Gordon Sumtar, 25, of St. Paul, has been charged with:
Felony Theft (Over $500 up to $1,000) (Prior Conviction)
Misdemeanor Fleeing a Peace Officer (Other Than in a Motor Vehicle)
The felony theft charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000, while the fleeing charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Theft Reported at Eagan Retail Store
According to the statement of probable cause, officers with the Eagan Police Department were dispatched on August 6, 2026, to the Nike Store on Eagan Outlets Parkway after receiving a report of a theft in progress.
Store employees reported that a man wearing blue pants and a blue jacket had allegedly filled a large mesh bag with merchandise and walked out of the store without paying. Responding officers quickly located a man matching the suspect's description near the business. Court documents state the man was still carrying the mesh bag containing the allegedly stolen merchandise.
When officers informed him that he was under arrest on suspicion of shoplifting, prosecutors allege the suspect immediately fled on foot despite repeated commands to stop.
Foot Pursuit Ends in Arrest
According to the complaint, another Eagan police officer positioned nearby was able to intercept the suspect's path, allowing officers to take him into custody. Court records state the suspect resisted officers as they attempted to arrest him before he was ultimately restrained and placed in handcuffs.
The man identified himself as Ryan Gordon Sumtar, and investigators later confirmed through store surveillance footage that he was allegedly the same individual seen taking the merchandise without paying.
Authorities determined the stolen merchandise had a total value of $724.99.
Prior Theft Conviction Elevated Charge
The theft charge was filed as a felony because prosecutors allege Sumtar was previously convicted of gross misdemeanor theft in Washington County in June 2026.
Minnesota law allows certain theft offenses involving property valued between $500 and $1,000 to be enhanced to a felony when the defendant has a qualifying prior theft-related conviction within the previous five years and received a felony or gross misdemeanor sentence.
Bail Set
During Sumtar's initial court appearance on August 7, 2026, the Dakota County Attorney's Office requested bail be set at $5,000 without conditions, or Release on Personal Recognizance (RPR) with conditions. His next court date is set for September 9, 2026 at 1:30 PM.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Sumtar are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Pictured: Ryan Gordon Sumtar. Provided by Dakota County Jail.
