Saint Paul Man Steals Woman’s Keys From Walker, Robs Her: Report

SAINT PAUL, MN — A Saint Paul man is accused of burglarizing a woman’s home after he took her keys from her walker while she was shopping at Walmart, then stole her car from the store’s parking lot.

Joseph Smith is facing two charges of theft and one charge of burglary stemming from the July 3 incident. Smith is accused of stealing a woman’s keys from her walker while she shopped at a West Saint Paul Walmart, locating the woman’s SUV in the parking lot and driving to her home, WCCO-TV reported.

Smith was captured on Walmart surveillance video stealing the keys. The woman also called police, who arrested Smith after they located him hiding in the bathroom of her apartment. A possible accomplice also was captured on apartment surveillance, though it’s unclear whether additional arrests were made.

If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the burglary charge and 5 years in prison for each of the theft charges.