MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Two men have been charged with third-degree burglary after they inadvertently alerted police to the scene of the crime when one of their phones pocket-dialed 911.
According to the charges, 32-year-old Todd Joseph Weiss and 38-year-old Justin Grant Evans were inside Larsen’s Auto/Meineke Car Care on 1990 County Road D in Maplewood around 4:44 a.m. on April 1 when one of their phones called 911.
A 911 operator answered and could hear their conversation, which made it sound like a burglary was in progress. One of the suspects was overheard saying, “If it goes off, they are right across the street.”
Officers arrived shortly after and saw the two men, wearing dark clothing, carrying a television and a box from the business. When police yelled for them to stop, they dropped everything and fled on foot.
Police used K-9 officers to apprehend the men. Both men were transported to Regions Hospital — Weiss for injuries to his left arm and Evans for evaluation. Evans had some injuries to his back and forearm and told officers he had taken 15 Xanax.
According to the charges, Evans repeatedly told officers he didn’t do anything and denied being inside the building.
Back at the scene, officers noticed the door to the building had been pried open and spoke to the owner of the business, who said there were several items taken during the burglary, including the two items recovered.
Authorities say both Weiss and Evans have substantial criminal histories, including numerous convictions for burglary.
