Savage Resident Charged After Allegedly Stealing Nearly $1,900 in Tools from Dakota County Menards Stores
Published: July 22, 2026
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA: A 47-year-old Savage resident has been charged after prosecutors allege he stole nearly $1,900 worth of power tools and tool kits from Menards stores in Burnsville, Apple Valley, and West St. Paul as part of a larger metro-area theft investigation.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court on July 21, 2026, Ky Uy Kao, 47, of Savage, has been charged with one count of felony theft (aggregating more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000).
The charge stems from an investigation into a series of thefts that allegedly occurred between April 9 and May 4, 2026, at Menards stores across the Twin Cities metro.
Investigation Linked Suspect to Multiple Menards Stores
According to the complaint, law enforcement identified Kao as the same individual involved in multiple theft investigations at Menards locations in:
Burnsville
Apple Valley
West St. Paul
Eden Prairie
Blaine
Richfield
Oakdale
The Dakota County case focuses on thefts that allegedly occurred in Burnsville, Apple Valley, and West St. Paul.
Investigators say surveillance footage from each incident showed the same individual using similar methods to leave the stores with merchandise without paying.
Burnsville Incidents
According to the complaint, Kao entered the Burnsville Menards on April 9, 2026, and was observed on surveillance looking through the power tool department before selecting a drill.
Prosecutors allege Kao then approached the service desk and told an employee:
"I forgot my receipt, I'll be right back."
Authorities say Kao then exited through the entrance doors carrying the drill, entered his vehicle, and drove away without paying. The drill was valued at approximately $349.99.
Investigators allege Kao returned to the Burnsville Menards on April 28, selected another power tool shortly after entering the store, and waited briefly in line at the service desk. According to the complaint, Kao eventually left the line and exited the store with the tool without paying before driving away.
That tool was valued at approximately $229.
West St. Paul Incident
The complaint alleges Kao was again identified on May 2 at the West St. Paul Menards.
Investigators say Kao entered the store around noon and selected two items before walking into an unattended checkout area. Surveillance allegedly showed Kao bypassing all points of sale and leaving the store without paying.
Authorities allege the stolen merchandise included:
A tool set kit valued at approximately $149.99
A drill valued at approximately $349.99
Investigators say Kao placed the items into his vehicle before leaving the property.
Apple Valley Incidents
According to prosecutors, Kao also allegedly stole merchandise during two separate visits to the Apple Valley Menards.
On April 29, surveillance footage allegedly showed Kao selecting a drill from the power tool department before leaving through the service area without paying. The drill was valued at approximately $311.49.
On May 4, investigators say Kao selected a drill kit and a high-torque impact wrench kit shortly after entering the store.
According to the complaint, Kao brought both items to the service counter and told an employee he wanted to return them but did not have a receipt. Prosecutors allege Kao then told the employee he would come back later before leaving the store with both items without paying.
The items were valued at:
Drill kit: $159.29
High-torque impact wrench kit: $311.49
Nearly $1,900 in Dakota County Losses
Court documents state the combined value of the merchandise allegedly stolen during the Dakota County incidents totaled approximately $1,861.24.
Investigators believe the Dakota County thefts were part of a broader series of incidents involving Menards stores throughout the Twin Cities metro between April and May 2026.
Court Proceedings
Kao has been charged with one count of felony theft (aggregating more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000). A first appearance in Dakota County District Court is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, before Judge Matthew Schmidt.
According to court records, bail was set at $10,000 without conditions, or Kao may be released on his own recognizance if he complies with several conditions, including:
Completing the booking process.
Remaining law-abiding.
Appearing at all future court hearings.
Keeping the court and attorneys informed of any address changes.
Remaining prohibited from entering Menards stores in Dakota County.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation. Kao is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Pictured: Ky Uy Kao. Provided by the Dakota County Jail from an Apple Valley arrest on June 5, 2026.
Written By: Will Wight
