Pine Island Man Charged in ATM Burglary Spree Across Rochester Area
Rochester, MN – A 47-year-old man from Pine Island, Jason Daniel Krukow, has been formally charged in connection with a series of ATM burglaries that plagued the Rochester area earlier this year. The court filings reveal a complex investigation that began with a break-in at a local restaurant in March.
First Break-In Triggers Investigation
The investigation was launched on March 5 after police were called to the Whistle Binkies on the Lake restaurant in southeast Rochester. An intruder had caused approximately $1,500 in damage to an ATM located in the restaurant’s entryway. Surveillance footage captured a silver or tan Toyota Tundra arriving at the premises shortly before 2 a.m., showing a masked individual exiting the vehicle.
The restaurant’s owner took to social media, sharing an image of the pickup truck, which led a tipster to identify Krukow as the suspect. A subsequent investigation at Krukow’s residence revealed a pickup truck matching the one on the surveillance video parked in his driveway. Additionally, detectives were able to compare the truck’s tire tread with a track left at the crime scene.
String of Burglaries Uncovered
Further developments in the case highlighted multiple break-ins involving Krukow. In mid-April, an officer interrupted what appeared to be another burglary. Responding to an alarm at a nearby business, the officer observed a man in black clothing and a face mask carrying a bag. When ordered to stop, the suspect fled, crashing through a garage door in the process. The damage from that incident alone was estimated to exceed $70,000.
Authorities allege that Krukow committed several other burglaries across Rochester, including incidents at Byron High School and various businesses in towns like Byron, Mazeppa, and Wanamingo. During this two-month crime spree, nearly $8,000 in cash was reported stolen from ATMs.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Krukkow was detained on Tuesday, and search warrants were executed at his home and other associated locations today. He now faces two counts of second-degree burglary and two counts of first-degree damage to property. During his arraignment in Olmsted County Court, his conditional bail was set at $25,000.
Krukow’s next court appearance is scheduled for August, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Local law enforcement continues to urge the community to report any suspicious activities as they work to prevent further crimes of this nature.
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