Published: October 26th 2026.
SAVAGE/EDINA, MN - A 36-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges in Scott County after allegedly stealing two Dyson vacuum cleaners from a Target store in Savage before leading police on pursuits that ended with his arrest in Edina on Highway 100.
Paul Michael Brooks has been charged with two felonies, theft and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, along with misdemeanor counts of driving after revocation and careless driving.
According to the criminal complaint, Savage police responded to Target on Highway 13 at approximately 11:32 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, following a report of shoplifting in progress.
Authorities allege Brooks removed security devices from two Dyson vacuum cleaners before leaving the store without paying. When approached by a loss prevention employee, Brooks allegedly ran to a black Chevrolet and drove away.
A Savage police officer subsequently located the suspect vehicle near County Road 42 and Highway 13 and attempted a traffic stop using emergency lights and a siren.
According to the complaint, the vehicle accelerated away and attempted to maneuver around stopped traffic near McColl Drive. The driver allegedly crossed a raised concrete median before traveling southbound on Highway 13.
Police reported that the vehicle reached approximately 78 mph. The officer eventually discontinued the pursuit after determining that the driver was continuing to flee.
The vehicle was later located by Edina police on Highway 100. According to the complaint, Brooks allegedly fled from Edina officers during a separate encounter before police used a pursuit intervention technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle.
The vehicle sustained extensive damage, and Brooks was taken into custody.
Investigators also reported that Brooks was involved in a collision with another vehicle during the incident. That collision remained under investigation at the time the complaint was filed.
During an interview with investigators, Brooks allegedly acknowledged seeing police attempt to stop him and said he fled because he was scared.
When questioned about the vacuums, Brooks denied stealing them and disputed allegations that he had removed their security devices. He reportedly told investigators he returned to his vehicle to retrieve money, later stating that he was looking for his bank card.
According to the complaint, Brooks also told investigators, "I'm just trying to survive," when questioned about his circumstances.
A review of state records showed that Brooks' driver's license was revoked. The complaint also references an extensive criminal history involving prior theft convictions and additional pending cases.
Brooks was transported to the Scott County Jail following his arrest.
The felony theft charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. The felony fleeing charge carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
The two misdemeanor charges each carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
All charges are allegations. Brooks is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.