At approximately 2 pm Wed, June 1, 2022, Golden Valley police officers were dispatched to a carjacking in the parking lot of Theodore Wirth Golf Club in the 1300 block of Theodore Wirth Parkway, Golden Valley. While backing his 2015 black Audi A5 of his parking space, the victim reported a lone Black male wearing a black facemask and hoodie quickly approached his vehicle, displayed a handgun, and demanded the victim exit the vehicle. The suspect then took the vehicle and $3,000 worth of golf equipment. The following day, Golden Valley detectives located the stolen car in Minneapolis.
The Theodore Wirth Park area is a shared jurisdiction between the Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) and the Minneapolis Park Police. Due to Golden Valley’s involvement and the similarities in other carjackings over the past month, the GVPD is the lead agency investigating this June 1 incident. All previous incidents also included a suspect(s) wearing dark ski masks, armed with a semi-automatic handgun.
Golden Valley Police Department Director Virgil Green says an incident like this occurring in the day means the suspects are getting more bold and aggressive.
“We would like to remind our community members about a few safety tips,” said Green. “Be aware of your surroundings, even in areas or places you feel safe; never keep your back turned while unlocking your doors; if you see a suspicious car driving by you, call 911; always park your vehicles in well-lit areas at night; and keeping your cellphone on your person at all times.”
Green also suggests ensuring your vehicle has active GPS tracking services through its manufacturer or something similar.
If you have information about these incidents, contact the Golden Valley Police Department at 763-512-2500. All tips will be confidential.