Police: Man Arrested In Cottage Grove Car Break-Ins
COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. (WCCO) – Cottage Grove Police said Wednesday a 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of car break-ins that happened in the city between April and July.
Ryan Patric Aasand of Cottage Grove was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree felony damage to property and felony theft. Aasand is believed to be responsible for more than $2,900 worth of damage to vehicles and more than $800 in stolen property. Aasand is currently in the Washington County Jail pending formal criminal charges.
According to police, authorities responded to as many as 13 reports of damage to vehicles and theft from vehicles in Cottage Grove between April 4 and July 1. In each of the reports, windows were smashed or car tires were slashed and items were stolen from inside the vehicle.
Authorities linked Aasand to the break-ins through DNA collected from drops of blood collected from several of the scenes associated with the vehicle break-ins.
Cottage Grove Police are reminding residents to keep their vehicles locked, don't leave valuables in plain view, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to police.
