Eagan Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening Apple Valley Target Employee With Baton During Theft
Published: July 21, 2026
APPLE VALLEY, MN: An Eagan man is facing a felony theft charge after prosecutors say he stole a pair of headphones from the Target store off Cedar Avenue in Apple Valley before allegedly brandishing an ASP impact baton at a loss prevention employee who attempted to stop him outside the business.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Victor Daniel Berrios, 60, of Eagan, has been charged with one count of Felony Theft (From Person, Corpse, Grave or Coffin) under Minnesota Statute 609.52.2(a)(1). The offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Theft Reported at Apple Valley Retail Store
According to the complaint, Apple Valley Police officers were dispatched to a retail store at approximately 1:18 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, for a report of a theft in progress. Officers located and detained the suspect in the parking lot, where he was later identified as Berrios.
Store loss prevention employees told officers they observed Berrios select a pair of headphones before moving to another area of the store and concealing them down the front of his pants. Investigators allege he then exited the store without paying for the merchandise.
Loss Prevention Employee Confronted Berrios
According to court documents, a loss prevention employee stopped Berrios outside the store and asked him to wait. Instead, prosecutors allege Berrios turned toward the employee, raised a black ASP impact baton beside his head in what was described as a threatening manner, said "No," and continued walking away.
Police later recovered the stolen headphones from inside Berrios' pants. Officers also found a black metal ASP baton in his front pocket.
The loss prevention employee identified the baton as the object Berrios allegedly displayed during the confrontation.
Surveillance Video Reviewed
Investigators also reviewed the store's surveillance footage. According to the complaint, the video showed Berrios selecting the headphones, concealing them inside his pants, and leaving the store without paying.
The footage reportedly showed that as Berrios exited the store, he initially had nothing in his hands. However, after passing through the first set of exit doors, he allegedly reached into his right pocket, removed the baton, and held it as the loss prevention employee approached.
The complaint states the employee identified themselves and asked Berrios to wait, but Berrios allegedly refused and continued walking through the parking lot while holding the baton.
Bail Set at Up to $75,000
During his initial court appearance on July 20, 2026, prosecutors requested bail be set at $75,000 without conditions, or $40,000 with conditions. According to court records, prosecutors noted Berrios has an extensive history of theft-related offenses along with some prior assault history, stating that Berrios' alleged possession and use of an ASP impact baton during the incident created a greater public safety concern. Court documents also reference both previous Minnesota and out-of-state criminal history.
The judge set interim conditions at the requested $75,000 without conditions, or $40,000 with conditions. As of the writing of this story, Berrios has not posted bail and remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail. His next court date is set for August 12, 2026 at 9 AM.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is merely an allegation, and Berrios is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Pictured: Victor Daniel Berrios. Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written By: Will Wight
