Charges Filed in Downtown Rochester Stolen Vehicle Arrest

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The subject of a traffic stop that drew a large law enforcement presence in downtown Rochester earlier this week has been charged.

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Squad cars from the Rochester Police Department, Olmsted County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota State Patrol were spotted along 3rd Ave. Southeast between the Olmsted County Government Center and the Mayo Civic Center shortly after 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Rochester Police Captain Casey Moilanen later said the traffic stop was prompted by a stolen vehicle case.

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Olmsted County court documents identify the driver of the reportedly stolen vehicle as 19-year-old Teven Michael Smidt-Thomas of Rochester. He’s accused of taking the vehicle from a residence outside of Rochester but in Olmsted County.

Smidt-Thomas. Olmsted County ADC

The complaint says an Olmsted County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a residence in Cascade Township shortly after 7 a.m. Tuesday, where the resident reported someone had taken a vehicle out the home’s opened garage the night before. Roughly 24 hours after the stolen vehicle report, a Rochester Police Officer spotted the vehicle near the T.J. Maxx shopping plaza.

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The officer and other authorities followed the vehicle with the goal of initiating a traffic stop in a less-busy area, the complaint says. They activated their lights and sirens near the Rochester Public Library and Smidt Thomas pulled over on 3rd Ave. Southeast.

Smidt-Thomas complaint. Olmsted County Court

There were two other males inside of the vehicle. A passenger was arrested on suspicion of drug possession and other charges.

Smidt Thomas told police the second passenger had the car and told him the vehicle belonged to his uncle but said he wanted Smidt Thomas to drive. The passenger told police that Smidt Thomas had picked him up in the vehicle from Cub prior to the traffic stop, the court document says.

Smidt-Thomas complaint. Olmsted County Court

Smidt Thomas was arraigned Friday on a one count of felony motor vehicle theft and felony receiving stolen property charge. He was released without bail but with conditions and is due back in court next month.

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