Charges filed in alleged Cottage Grove auto theft

A Cottage Grove man is accused of stealing his girlfriend’s car and possessing methamphetamine.

Andrew R. Eineke, 25, appeared Aug. 29 in Washington County District Court on charges of felony auto theft and fifth-degree methamphetamine possession.

According to the criminal complaint:

While on patrol Aug. 27, a Cottage Grove police officer noticed a vehicle behind the vacant Home Depot building on East Point Douglas Road. As the officer approached, a man later identified as Eineke was walking away from the car. He told police the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend.

Police talked to the woman, who said she had argued with Eineke and then couldn’t find her keys when she tried to leave his house.

Eineke was arrested on suspicion of auto theft. As he was being booked into Washington County jail, officers allegedly found him in possession of two baggies that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Eineke’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 26.

–Scott Wente

Tags: crime and courts, updates, crime