Sibley County Burglary Suspect Allegedly Breaks Into Safe, Takes $10,000 in Pull Tab Funds
Published: October 30, 2025
ARLINGTON / NEW AUBURN, MN - Law enforcement officials have arrested a man in connection with a series of burglaries that targeted businesses in Arlington and New Auburn, MN, in Sibley County.
According to a criminal complaint, officers responded to the Dugout in Arlington, Minnesota, after discovering significant damage to an office containing a large safe. The safe had been cut open with a grinder, exposing layers of concrete and steel, and two holes had been drilled into it. Investigators report that approximately $10,000 in pull-tab money was stolen during the break-in.
The restaurant above the Dugout, Las Palmas Restaurante, was also burglarized, with roughly $600 taken from its cash register. Authorities noted that tools had been used to access both the restaurant and the Dugout.
A similar scene was reported at the Backwoods Bar in New Auburn, where tools were used to force entry.
Investigators gathered surveillance footage from all three locations, which showed a vehicle driving by each business around the time of the burglaries. The vehicle was later located in Anoka, and tracking data from a device on the car, part of an ongoing multi-county burglary investigation by the Minnesota Department of Alcohol and Gambling, placed it at each crime scene. Surveillance footage also matched the driver's physical appearance, identified as James Irving Dale, 61, of Anoka.
During a search of the vehicle, authorities recovered burglary tools, grinders, a large amount of cash, and clothing consistent with what was seen in the surveillance footage. Dale was arrested and transported to the Sibley County Jail, where he remains in custody.
Dale is facing three felony charges for 2nd Degree Burglary of a Building Containing Bank-Use. His bail was set at $500,000 cash or bond without conditions, and $40,000 with conditions.
Provided by the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office
Written by: Juan Perez
