On 02/01/2026 at about 2326 hours, St. Paul Police responded to an arson call at 281 5th St E (Crane Ordway Apartments) in St. Paul, Ramsey County. The security guard there, AK, reported that a male had lit a fire in the building’s laundry room. AK described the suspect as a light skinned black male with a slender build wearing a ski mask, light green hoodie, and facial tattoos. He last saw the suspect on Wall Street N headed towards the police station. Responding Officers spotted a male matching the suspect’s description as they drove south on Wall St N near 7th St E. The male was detained and identified as Matthew Owens Earl THOMPSON ([DOB REDACTED]). THOMPSON was found to have active warrants and was arrested.
During a search incident to arrest, Police found suspected mushrooms on THOMPSON's person. During the booking process, Police also found 2 suspected MOMA tablets (Ecstasy) in THOMPSON's watch pocket. These pills later tested positive for MOMA. AK told police that he saw the suspect exit the laundry room and then discovered the fire and extinguished it. In the laundry room, police found a dryer with papers and books inside that appeared to have been set on fire and a used fire extinguisher nearby.
The investigation into the arson is continuing. During a post-Miranda interview, THOMPSON admitted being in the apartment building but denied starting a fire. THOMPSON admitted that he possessed mushrooms on his person and admitted that the two tablets found in his pocket were Ecstasy. For purposes of Rule 6.02, THOMPSON has an open felony case for Fleeing Police in a Motor Vehicle.
