MUKILTEO — Police are seeking leads in the case of felony toilet theft.
A toilet go-kart used as a parade float was stolen over the weekend from Stollwerck Plumbing & Sewer, 806 5th St., on the main drag that cuts through town.
“It’s a $2,000 piece,” owner J.D. Stollwerck said.
He paid $300 for the go-kart on Craigslist, then spent over $1,100 to have the rig custom fabricated in addition to a $400 toilet. Stollwerck, who is 6-foot-3, would sit on the toilet and drive the gas-powered vehicle in parades, an American flag waving in the back. It made for quite a sight.
The go-kart parade float was stolen Saturday night from Stollwerck Plumbing & Sewer in Mukilteo. (Submitted photo)
When not in use, the toilet on wheels was parked in front of the plumbing business that moved to this location about two years ago.
“It’s a marketing thing, it’s kind of fun,” Stollwerck said. “My wife kept telling me we need to lock it up. I’m like, ‘Nobody’s going to steal it. Late at night this place is lit up like a Christmas tree.’”
It didn’t stop this thief.
His security camera footage shows a man wearing camouflage coveralls scoping out the kart around 11 p.m. Saturday. He sits on the toilet and tries to get the kart to move.
“He was in full camo suit, a black hoodie, gloves and his backpack was tightly cinched. He looked like he was out casing. He was obviously up to no good,” Stollwerck said.
The suspect left, then returned 20 minutes later and dragged the rig away.
Shattered porcelain was found across the street.
“He probably lifted it up to put it in his vehicle and it snapped and broke,” Stollwerck said. “It’s mounted, just like a regular toilet. There are just two bolts.”
No other thefts were reported in the area, said Nathan Fabia, Mukilteo police crime prevention officer.
“This one is certainly unique,” Fabia said. “They are respected and well loved within the community. The kart out in front gives everyone a good laugh driving by.”
Police canvassed neighbors for additional video footage.
“The crime is theft, second degree,” Fabia said. “The go-kart is not a registered vehicle so it does not qualify for motor vehicle theft-related crimes.”
Second-degree theft is considered a class C felony.
“We have already received some tips,” Fabia said Tuesday afternoon.
The plumbing business is known for its roadside sign with clever sayings. This week it read: “Hey, Thief! We want our parade kart back. Love, The Plumbers.”
The flag was safely stowed in the shop.
People with any information about the case should call the police non-emergency phone line at 425-407-3999 or email crimetips@mukilteowa.gov. Or dial 911.
Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterbrown.
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