Juveniles Ages 12 To 15 Charged In Woodbury Cabela’s Theft

WOODBURY, MN — Seven juveniles, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years old, have been charged in a theft at the Woodbury Cabela's store, as well as the theft of a motor vehicle, and fleeing police.

The identities of the juveniles have not been released.

The Cabela's theft and police chase happened on Saturday, authorities said. The juveniles stole a Glock 19 CO2 airsoft pistol from the store, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

All seven juveniles were eventually found and taken into custody, authorities said. However, a 12 and a 13-year-old juvenile were later released "due to the limited capacity of the juvenile detention unit," the sheriff's office said.

The Washington County Attorney’s Office recommended that the remaining five juveniles remain in detention pending further hearing, and the court granted the request.

"This office recognizes the unique needs of juvenile offenders, especially those that are very young," said Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson. "However, the safety of public is the primary concern in every situation reviewed by a prosecutor."

Just after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Woodbury police responded to Cabela’s after staff there reported that a group of juveniles caused a disturbance in the store.

Employees pointed officers to a maroon Hyundai sedan in the parking lot, according to authorities. Police said they later learned that the Hyundai was reported stolen a day earlier.

The Hyundai fled when police arrived, coming within inches of a squad car, according to authorities.

A vehicle pursuit began, and the Hyundai reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour, police said.

During the chase, officers used a pursuit intervention technique — or PIT maneuver — and disabled the car near Inwood Avenue North in Lake Elmo, according to authorities.

The juveniles fled on foot, and a multi-agency search for them began, investigators said. All seven were found and arrested, according to authorities.

An airsoft gun was found inside the stolen vehicle, and a sight mount was found by a deputy near a home in the area, according to authorities.