Charges likely after vacant Cottage Grove nightclub burglarized

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Two men likely face criminal charges for allegedly breaking into the former Rush nightclub building in Cottage Grove and stealing wiring valued at $68.

Police arrested Michael Howlett, 27, of Pepin, Wis., and Aaron Hurlburt, 29, after officers were tipped off to a suspicious vehicle early in the morning on Oct. 8.

According to the police report:

Police were dispatched shortly after 3 a.m. to the 8400 block of Grospoint Avenue on a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area. Police found the vehicle, but it was parked legally and unoccupied. A short time later police were called to the area again after two people were seen quickly leaving in the vehicle.

An officer patrolling near the vacant nightclub building on West Point Douglas Road saw a vehicle pull into the parking lot and then leave again. As the officer attempted to stop the vehicle near Belden Boulevard and Hadley Avenue, the passenger, later identified as Hurlburt, fled on foot as the driver, later identified as Howlett, continued on Hadley Avenue before eventually stopping.

Police used a K-9 dog to help locate Hurlburt, who was hiding in a wooded area nearby.

A search of the vehicle turned up aluminum wiring valued at $13 and other wire valued at $55, according to the report. Police also found a saw that can be used to cut wire.

Hurlburt, who has no permanent address, was arrested on suspicion of possessing burglary tools and stolen property, and fleeing on foot. Howlett was suspected of possessing stolen property and driving after suspension.

The two men were booked into Washington County Jail. Formal charges were pending.

There was damage reported to the vacant building, but there was no estimated value in the police report.

Tags: crime and courts, updates, crime