Serial Rochester Car Thief Caught Again

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester police describe him as a “prolific car thief” and he was at it again early Thursday.

A patrol officer was on 37th St NE around 3:00 AM when a car went by at a high rate of speed. The officer went after the car and a check of its license plate showed it had been reported stolen on Wednesday.

The officer followed the vehicle into a dead-end area of an apartment complex and arrested the driver. He was identified as 18-year-old Robert Cleaves of Rochester.

Records show he has been charged with stealing at least five other vehicles.

Cleaves was arrested on charges of stolen property, driving without a license, and reckless driving.

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