Rochester Man With Lengthy Criminal History Accused of Stealing Car from Sleeping Woman

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A Rochester man with a lengthy criminal history is facing a new felony charge in connection with a vehicle stolen from a sleeping woman. 

Get our free mobile app

The criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court Monday says a Rochester police officer responded to the report of a stolen vehicle near the Soldier's Field Veterans Memorial on the morning of April 28. The woman told police she had fallen asleep in the park shortly before 10 p.m. the night before and discovered her vehicle was missing when she woke up. 

The victim told police she suspected 41-year-old Daniel Christopher Hill of stealing her car. She said she had met Hill a few weeks before the alleged theft and said she was in the park with him the night before and that she saw Hill walking away from her before she fell asleep, the complaint says. 

The victim said her phone, keys and purse were inside of the vehicle. On April 29 the victim reported her cell phone location indicated the device was at a gas station along West Circle Dr. Officers went to the gas station and found a car that matched the description of the woman’s vehicle without a front license plate and bearing a rear license plate that police determined belonged to a Chevy pick-up, court documents say. 

Officers checked the VIN and confirmed the car at the gas station belonged to the victim. Police then arrested Hill, who stated he had been given permission to drive the vehicle, according to the complaint. 

Hill was charged Monday with a count of felony theft. He was released without bail but with conditions. 

Court records indicate Hill has a criminal history in Olmsted County that dates back to 2018 and includes seven theft convictions, three of which were felonies. His next court appearance is set for May 31.