Maple Grove man allegedly robbed man returning money to him

A Maple Grove man, Joshua Harris, 19, has been charged in Hennepin County Court with first-degree aggravated robbery.

According to the criminal complaint, on June 30, Maple Grove police officers were dispatched to a call regarding an armed robbery near the 10000 block of 103rd Place. The victim told police that a man wearing a bonnet he knew by the nickname of “Melly,” later identified at Harris, pointed a gun at him and stole his wallet.

“The victim told officer that he was at a party with [Harris] on Friday night,” the complaint stated. “A friend told the victim that [Harris] left approximately $200 at a party and wondered if the victim could return it.”

The complaint states the victim and Harris connected through Snapchat and text message and agreed to meet at an address provided by Harris.

“When he met with [Harris] and gave him the $200, [Harris] asked the victim if he wanted to buy some marijuana,” stated the complaint. The victim declined.

According to the complaint, “[Harris] pointed a handgun at his face and stated, ‘Give me all your money,’ and ‘Give up everything.’ The victim handed [Harris] his wallet and iPhone 15.”

The victim was able to trace his phone to a nearby park using a Find My Phone search. The complaint states officers were able to locate the phone and conducted a search of the area and located Harris, who matched the provided description.

“Upon searching [Harris], officers located two cellphones and several individually packaged baggies of suspected marijuana and a black bonnet,” the complaint said. The victim positively identified Harris at a show-up.

Harris has a gross misdemeanor warrant out of Dakota County for weapons. He was later arrested.

If convicted, Harris could face up to 20 years in jail and/or a $35,000 fine.