Bemidji Man Charged in Salvage Yard Burglary

Bemidji Man Charged in Salvage Yard Burglary

Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Hines man faces three charges after an alleged burglary at a Bemidji auto salvage business.

Thomas Michael Wilkinson, 42, has been charged in Beltrami County District Court. The charges include two felonies and one misdemeanor.

The allegations are listed in a criminal complaint filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. Charges are accusations, and Wilkinson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Deputies Respond to Burglary Report

Deputies responded around 3:13 a.m. on July 17 to Aazzee’s Auto Salvage. The business is located on Sunnyside Drive Southeast in Bemidji.

The owner reported seeing a man inside the fenced property through surveillance video. The man was allegedly carrying five-gallon buckets.

The owner said the suspect moved toward a hole near the property’s fence. The opening was near the Bemidji Speedway.

Deputies found a Lincoln MKX parked near the speedway. A woman was inside the vehicle when law enforcement arrived.

Thomas Michael Wilkinson

Gasoline Found in Bucket

Deputies waited near the fence opening and contacted a man leaving the property.

The complaint identifies that man as Wilkinson.

Wilkinson allegedly carried a five-gallon bucket containing gasoline. He also wore dark clothing, a backpack, and low-light equipment.

Investigators reported finding tools, bags, mismatched license plates, and a homemade funnel near the Lincoln.

The woman denied involvement and was later released.

Investigators determined gasoline had allegedly been taken from a fuel tank inside the salvage building.

The Lincoln was sealed while authorities sought a search warrant. It was then taken to the Beltrami County impound lot.

Three Charges Filed

Wilkinson faces third-degree burglary under Minnesota Statute 609.582.
The felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

He also faces possession of burglary or theft tools. That charge carries up to three years in prison.

A misdemeanor trespassing charge was also filed. It carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail.

Case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch court records portal.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.