On May 9, 2025, West St. Paul Police Officers responded to a weapons report at a bank in West St. Paul, Dakota County, MN. Dispatch advised the reporting party (“Victim”) had been approached in the banks parking lot by a male who had flashed a firearm. The male’s vehicle was described as a white sedan. The officer spoke with Victim [NAME REDACTED] had attempted to drive into the bank’s parking lot but was obstructed by the male’s car at the driveway. When Victim [NAME REDACTED], he got out the vehicle and threw his hands up at the male in frustration.
The male pulled his vehicle forward, parked in the driving lane, and exited the vehicle. The male lifted his shirt and exposed a handgun with an extended magazine. An officer obtained and reviewed surveillance videos from the bank. The videos show Victim driving around the male’s vehicle to park in the lot at the bank. The male is in a white 2007 Acura sedan (MN/RBL982). The Acura drives into the lot following Victim. The Acura parks in the driving lane, and the driver exits and closes his door. As he is standing by his door, still appearing to argue with Victim, the male lifts his shirt, exposing a waistband.
Tucked in the waistband of the male’s pants is a dark object. Victim retreats into the bank and the male gets back in his car and drives away. The Acura is registered Defendant NATHAN RUBEN ARAUZ [DOB REDACTED]. An officer determined that the male in the surveillance video matched Defendant’s DVS photo and information. Defendant was unresponsive to officers’ calls, texts, and attempted contact at his residence. Officers located the Acura at Defendant’s registered address. Defendant does not have a permit for a firearm.
