Michael Satkowski, 64, of Dyer, is accused of stealing merchandise during six separate visits to the Menards in Schererville between March 20 and April 11, 2026.

Police said all six incidents occurred at the Menards located along U.S. 41. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and loss prevention reports and said Satkowski allegedly used a consistent method during the thefts. 

According to court documents, Satkowski would allegedly select and conceal various merchandise, including adhesives, tools and electronics, and stage the items in the outdoor garden section. Police said he would then create a picking ticket for other merchandise, pay for that order and retrieve the concealed merchandise while picking up his paid order in the rear yard. 

The affidavit lists the six alleged thefts as:

March 20: Loctite 10 oz. Landscape Block Adhesive — $5.99

March 30: Loctite 10 oz. Landscape Block Adhesive — $5.99 and a candy bar — $2.75. 

April 1: Red Devil 18mm Heavy-Duty Utility Knife — $6.22 and FLOW EASY Drain Opener — $16.99. 

April 8: SKIL 20-Volt Brushless Cordless 1/4-inch Impact Driver Kit — $89

April 9: NOCO Genius 10-Amp Battery Charger — $99.95

April 11: Loctite 10 oz. Landscape Block Adhesive — $5.99, Norton 7-inch x 1/8-inch Masonry Cut-Off Wheel — $3.97, and Russell Stover Assorted Chocolate Candy — $12.49. 

During the final incident on April 11, police said Satkowski fled the property at a high rate of speed, struck a gate arm and nearly hit another vehicle while attempting to avoid a security check. 

Investigators said Satkowski was identified through surveillance footage and other records. Police contacted him on a recorded phone line April 14 and advised him that theft charges would be filed and that he was formally trespassed from all Menards.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail on August 7,2026.

Charges filed April 23, 2026:

Theft — Class A Misdemeanor (6 Counts)

Reckless Driving — Class C Misdemeanor