Menards Construction Crew Catches Thief in the Act

Minneapolis man Justin Rolland Salisbury, 25, has been charged with felony possession of theft or burglary tools after police say he attempted to steal copper wire from the Richfield .

Salisbury faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Police were called to the Menards site, 7701 Nicollet Ave. S., on April 5 on a report of a theft in progress.

According to the complaint, employees from Lloyd’s Construction Services, which has a contract to demolish the building, told police that they saw Salisbury on the roof of the building, stealing copper wire. They ordered him down from the roof and wouldn’t let him leave until police arrived.

When officers arrived, they took Salisbury into custody and asked him what he was doing on the roof. Salisbury reportedly admitted that he had climbed onto the roof to look for nonferrous metals that he could sell and make some money.

Police searched Salisbury’s backpack, finding a hacksaw, a claw hammer, a crescent wrench, a utility knife, other tools and several pairs of black gloves. All items are consistent with tools that would be used to remove copper wire from the building, according to the complaint. Police also reportedly found several small strands of copper wire that appeared to have come from the building.

Police spoke to the owner of Lloyd’s Construction Services, who said the company’s contract with Menards specifies that any materials removed from the building are the property of Lloyd’s.

Salisbury remains in the Hennepin County Jail on a $5,000 bond. His next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court.