Minnetonka Man Charged with Robbery After Chaotic Incident at Local Grocery Store
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - A 24-year-old man is facing a felony robbery charge after a chaotic scene unfolded at the Cub grocery store in Apple Valley on Saturday afternoon, April 20, 2025.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney's Office, officers with the Apple Valley Police Department were dispatched to the store around 3:45 p.m. on reports of an active theft involving a suspect physically assaulting employees and fleeing toward the nearby transit station.
The criminal complaint states that witnesses told police the man, later identified as Jackson Bruce Norby of Minnetonka, was involved in a verbal dispute with store staff after he was observed filling his backpack with merchandise, primarily laundry detergent. Employees attempted to retrieve the items, prompting a struggle in multiple areas of the store. During the confrontation, Norby allegedly shoved one employee in the chest and struck him in the face. Another employee reported hearing Norby threaten staff with mace and claim he had a firearm. One witness stated Norby warned her he had a gun, though no firearm was seen.
According to the complaint, the man reportedly fled the store wrapped in a green and white blanket and entered the nearby transit station. Officers located Norby there and took him into custody. No firearm was found in his possession, but police recovered stolen merchandise — including the stolen soaps — from his backpack.
According to court records, while speaking with officers, Norby denied possessing a weapon but reportedly made concerning statements about returning to the store to assault the employee who had attempted to stop him, heightening concerns about public safety.
Norby was formally charged on April 21 with one count of felony simple robbery. Prosecutors allege Norby used force and threats to retain control of stolen merchandise, which elevates the offense from theft to robbery under Minnesota law. Court records also show that Norby has a misdemeanor theft charge from this same Cub store, which occurred on February 23, 2025.
He is currently being held in Dakota County custody with bail set at $20,000 without conditions, or $10,000 with several conditions, including:
No trespassing at Cub Foods in Apple Valley,
No possession of firearms or dangerous weapons,
Compliance with all laws and court appearances,
Notification of address changes to the court.
As of the writing of this story, Norby had not posted bail and remained in custody at the Dakota County Jail. Norby's next court date is May 15, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Hastings, Minnesota.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Norby, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written By: Will Wight
