Police Recover Stolen E-Bike, Uncover Drug Cache

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The investigation into the theft of a pair of e-bikes in downtown Rochester on the night of the Fourth of July led to the seizure of significant quantities of hallucinogenic mushrooms and the arrest of a Rochester man.

Felony Drugs and Other Charges

Sixty-seven-year-old Christopher Andrew Caffes was arraigned today in Olmsted County Court on felony charges of first-degree drug sales, second-degree drug possession, and receiving stolen property. He also faces a gross misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession and a misdemeanor count of fleeing police. His bail was set at $100,000.

Started With Theft of E-Bikes

According to the criminal complaint, Rochester police responded to a report involving two stolen e-bikes that had been left locked in the 300 block of 3rd Avenue Southeast on the night of the Fourth of July. The e-bikes were each valued at about $1,700.

Brief Pursuit

On July 6, a Rochester police officer on patrol spotted Caffes riding one of the stolen e-bikes. The officer reported that Caffes rode away after the officer activated the squad car's emergency lights and siren. The criminal complaint says the officer pursued Caffes until he abandoned the bike beneath the skyway at the Government Center.

According to the charges, the officer spotted Caffes again the following day sitting in the back seat of a vehicle in the 600 block of East Center Street. The officer also reported seeing Caffes push a backpack away from himself on the floorboard of the vehicle.

Significant Amount of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Seized

A search of the backpack led to the discovery of more than a half-pound of hallucinogenic mushrooms and approximately 2½ pounds of marijuana and marijuana wax packaged in seven separate containers. Two scales were also found inside the backpack.

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The criminal complaint says Caffes denied stealing the e-bike and claimed he had simply "found it." The court document also indicates that Caffes initially stated the backpack belonged to him but later claimed it was not his.

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