A Minneapolis man faces charges of theft and obstruction after allegedly shoplifting from Scheels at Eden Prairie Center and resisting officers during his arrest, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court.
Michael Charles Weickgenant, 48, is accused of stealing merchandise valued at $387.98 from the store on Dec. 12. He is charged with gross misdemeanor obstruction of the legal process and misdemeanor theft. If convicted, he faces up to 454 days in jail and $4,000 in fines.
Eden Prairie police responded to Scheels at about 8:50 p.m. after a loss prevention officer reported a man concealing items in a plastic bag and leaving the store without paying. When officers confronted the man, he dropped the bag but continued to walk away despite being told he was under arrest, the complaint states.
Officers struggled to handcuff Weickgenant, who resisted and attempted to stand up multiple times during the encounter, according to the complaint. During the struggle, police recovered a knife from his pocket and ultimately subdued him after two takedowns. Officers administered oxygen after he claimed he could not breathe. The complaint states Weickgenant admitted to smoking methamphetamine before the incident.
Court records indicate Weickgenant has outstanding felony warrants for threats of violence in Anoka County and violating release conditions in Le Sueur County.
Weickgenant posted $5,000 bail on Dec. 16. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 26 at the Hennepin County District Court’s Ridgedale location in Minnetonka.
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