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A 23-year-old woman rampaged through the West St. Paul Target on Tuesday, March 15, destroying merchandise and displays, causing at least $7,000 in damage, and forcing the store to briefly close. Store management evacuated customers and staff while police arrested the woman.
Gaylynn Atlene Bailey of West St. Paul entered the store at approximately 9:41 a.m. and began throwing merchandise, smashing display cases, and knocking over display stands, according to the criminal complaint. Store surveillance footage shows Bailey shattering glass display cases with a golf club, breaking the security tether on a laptop and throwing it to the ground, and pouring chocolate sauce, laundry detergent, and windshield washer fluid on the floor.
West St. Paul Police confronted Bailey in the electronics section where she was throwing boxed TVs to the floor. They ordered her onto the ground, but she refused to comply and kept throwing products off shelves. Police were then able to take her into custody, though she continued to kick at merchandise and display stands as they escorted her out at approximately 9:52.
West St. Paul Police Chief Brian Sturgeon told the Pioneer Press they believe an issue with previous purchase a few days before set Bailey off.
Dakota County charged Bailey with felony first-degree criminal damage to property. If convicted, Bailey could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Bailey has prior convictions, including a 2019 hit-and-run misdemeanor and a DWI in January that included supervised probation as part of the sentencing.
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