Homeless Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle Left Running Outside of Rochester Apartment

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A man described in a criminal complaint as homeless has been charged in a Rochester vehicle theft case. 

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The court document, filed on Monday, says Rochester police responded to the report of a stolen vehicle on Friday.

The complaint indicates the suspect traveled to Fillmore and Winona Counties before being arrested in Rochester. 

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Running Vehicle Stolen Outside of Rochester Apartment, Suspect Arrested Day After Reported Theft

Officers responded to an apartment in the 600 block of 3rd Ave. SE on Friday. The victim stated she left her car running while she went inside of her apartment and that an unknown male stole it around 10 a.m. 

About 90 minutes later, the victim informed police that someone was trying to use a debit card she left in the vehicle at a gas station in Rushford. 

Police obtained surveillance camera footage from the transaction and saw a man who matched the description provided by the victim attempting to put gas in the victim’s car.

Victim's Vehicle Recovered in Winona

Winona police reported recovering the victim’s vehicle the next day. The suspect was not with it, however more surveillance photos of him were taken.

Officers identified the suspect as 34-year-old Aaron Michael Mcnamara. Rochester police located and arrested Mcnamara at a Rochester coffee shop on Saturday. 

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In a statement to investigators, Mcnamara denied any involvement in vehicle thefts and said he works for the feds. The complaint also says Rochester police found a bicycle at the victim’s apartment that matched one Mcnamara was seen riding prior to the alleged vehicle theft. 

Mcnamara is charged with a felony count of motor vehicle theft. He’s scheduled to make his first court appearance Tuesday morning.