East Grand Forks Car Wash Theft Leads to Charges

East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Wisconsin man faces two felony charges after a pickup was allegedly stolen from a local car wash.

Michael John Tochalauski has been charged in Polk County District Court. He faces third-degree burglary and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

The charges come from an incident reported on September 10, 2024. The allegations are detailed in a criminal complaint.

Pickup Reported Missing From Car Wash

According to the complaint, a black GMC 2500 was left inside Central Avenue Car Wash.

The car wash owner told investigators he left the business around 5:30 p.m. He returned at about 9 p.m.

The pickup was gone when he returned. The keys had reportedly been left inside the vehicle.

The truck was a work vehicle used by another person. The driver valued the pickup at about $90,000.

Authorities entered the vehicle into a national database as stolen.

Michael John Tochalauski

The vehicle was reportedly seen in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, on September 11.

Authorities later found the pickup in Ashland County. Tochalauski was allegedly driving the vehicle at that time.

Wisconsin authorities detained the pickup and arrested Tochalauski. He was later released while the case remained under investigation.

Investigators also reviewed security footage from outside the car wash.

The video allegedly showed a person walking near the building with a black guitar case.

The complaint states Tochalauski had a black guitar case when he was arrested in Wisconsin.

The first count alleges third-degree burglary. Prosecutors claim Tochalauski entered the car wash without permission and stole the pickup.

The second count alleges unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Each also carries a possible $10,000 fine.

More information about Minnesota criminal laws is available through the Minnesota Legislature’s statute database.

Polk County court information can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

The charges are allegations. Tochalauski is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.