Teens Busted in Stolen Rochester Vehicle Linked to Kasson Smoke Shop Burglary

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Local law enforcement has linked teens who were busted in a vehicle reported stolen in Rochester with a smoke shop burglary in Kasson. 

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Both incidents occurred on Thursday morning. Police in Kasson say six juveniles have been identified in connection with the burglary. 

The Kasson Police Department says officers responded to the report of a burglary at the Kasson Smoke Shop, located at 301 South Mantorville Ave. around 4:45 on the morning of August 22. 

Responding officers found windows of the building had been smashed open and merchandise had been stolen from the store, police say. 

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A review of the business’s surveillance footage showed six individuals throwing rocks at the store front, entering the smoke shop and filling backpacks with merchandise, a news release says. 

Officers later learned the vehicle the suspects arrived in was reported stolen in Rochester. 

Kasson Smoke Shop Burglary Suspects Caught in Stolen Vehicle in Rochester

That same morning, the Rochester Police Department reported a vehicle that was speeding fled an attempted traffic stop by an Olmsted County Sheriff’s deputy. 

The deputy gave a brief chase then terminated the short pursuit, police said. 

Officers later found the suspected stolen vehicle 2400 block of 26th St. Northwest in Rochester. The suspects fled from the vehicle on foot, according to the police report. 

Rochester Police Department Communications Coordinator Amanda Grayson confirmed the Kasson smoke shop burglary and stolen vehicle fleeing incident are connected. 

Read More: Stolen Vehicle Suspects Flee Rochester Police After Brief Pursuit 

Grayson said officers detained two suspects, who are described as a 14-year-old boy from Rochester and a 15-year-old boy from Rochester. 

Kasson Police say items belonging to the smoke shop were located inside of the stolen vehicle.

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