Siblings Charged in Dakota County Copper Wire Theft Case
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA—Authorities in Dakota County have filed charges against two siblings, Tokala Sapa Win Charging Thunder, 37, and Cumpa Su Charging Thunder, 37, both of Saint Paul, following an early morning incident on October 21, 2024, involving the alleged theft of copper wire and damage to energy transmission equipment.
According to the criminal complaints from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, on October 21, 2024, a Mendota Heights Police officer observed a suspicious vehicle—a tan 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe—parked near Benson Metal Industrial during a routine patrol at approximately 3:15 a.m. Upon closer inspection, the officer saw a man crouching near the building, who fled upon noticing the squad car. A search of the area revealed severed electrical wires, heavy-gauge copper cables, and tools, including a battery-powered saw and bolt cutters.
The officer detained a woman near the vehicle, later identified as Tokala Sapa Win Charging Thunder. She admitted her brother was also present. Shortly afterward, officers discovered Cumpa Su Charging Thunder in the vehicle's passenger seat. Both suspects were reportedly sweating profusely and later claimed to have ingested narcotics. An investigation revealed extensive damage to the building's power systems, with cables pulled down from their connections. Officers found additional copper wire and power tools inside the vehicle. According to the property owner, neither sibling had authorization to remove the materials. Both suspects were transported to the hospital following the incident due to medical concerns related to the alleged ingestion of narcotics.
Tokala Sapa Win Charging Thunder is charged with Damage or Theft to Energy Transmission/Telecommunications Equipment, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Cumpa Su Charging Thunder faces two felony charges: Damage or Theft to Energy Transmission/Telecommunications Equipment and Possession of Burglary or Theft Tools, the latter carrying a maximum sentence of three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. A review of Cumpa Su Charging Thunder’s criminal history revealed a prior felony conviction for motor vehicle theft in 2020 in Ramsey County.
Both have received a summons to appear, with Tokala’s first court appearance set for 9 AM on January 7, 2025, in Hastings, Minnesota. Cumpa’s first court appearance is set for January 14, 2025.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against the Charging Thunder siblings, 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.