DNA links Cottage Grove man to $12K lawnmower theft

Police used DNA from a soda bottle to connect a Cottage Grove man to the theft of a $12,000 lawnmower.

Eugene C. Aylward Jr., 43, is charged with felony theft in Washington County District Court.

According to the criminal complaint:

Gerlach Services Inc., reported to Cottage Grove police in November 2009 that a lawnmower valued at $12,000 had been stolen. The mower was later located at a Cottage Grove residence. A soda bottle found on the mower was sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing. The DNA testing identified Aylward, who was being held at a Ramsey County correctional facility for an unrelated case. Aylward told police he stole the mower, according to the criminal complaint.

Aylward’s first court appearance was Aug. 29. His next hearing is set for Nov. 28.

–Scott Wente

Tags: crime and courts, updates, crime