Couple Accused Of Arson During May Protests Found In Mexico

[Judi Lynn]

Federal officials say the Rochester couple are behind a series of fires during last May's protests in St. Paul.

Andy Nguyen, Patch Staff
Verified Patch Staff Badge
Posted Thu, Feb 18, 2021 at 7:38 pm CT

ST. PAUL, MN — A Rochester couple wanted in connection to a series of suspicious fires in St. Paul last May was arrested in Mexico on Monday.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced on Thursday that the U.S. Marshals Service was able to locate and detain Jose Angel Felan Jr. and Mena Dhaya Yousif on immigration violations. The couple had been on the run from law enforcement after they were suspected of setting several fires last May during the George Floyd protests in the Twin Cities metro area, according to a statement from the ATF.

"After [Felan] and [Yousif] fled to Mexico, spending eight months on the run, the U.S. Marshals, along with out counterparts in Mexico, have seen to it that Mr. Felan will now face justice for the heinous arson charges against him," U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau said in a statement. "Our deputies were relentless in this fugitive case, refusing to rest until these suspects were found."

U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald said the two will be sent back to Minnesota to stand trial.

Authorities said Felan, 34, was indicted with three counts of vandalism after allegedly setting fire to Gordon Parks High School, a Goodwill store and a 7 Mile Sportswear store on May 28. Yousif, 22, faces one count of being an accessory after the fact.

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[UpInArms]

1. Am glad that the perpetrators have been caught

What a stupid thing to do

[Enterstageleft]

2. the US has a extradition agreement with Mexico...

Including Cancun...Qarnival Qruz.