On 03/02/2026 at 1944 hours, Maplewood Police took a report of a motor vehicle theft that occurred at [ADDRESS REDACTED] in Maplewood, Ramsey County. The vehicle’s owner, LCC, said that between 0800 and 1000 hours someone stole his 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER (MN/EJU256) that was parked on the street. The next day, on 03/03/2026, at about 1640 hours, St. Paul Police responded to [ADDRESS REDACTED] in St. Paul, Ramsey County. A 911 caller, MC, reported that he had located his friend’s Toyota 4RUNNER (MN/EJU256) that was stolen out of Maplewood.
MC further advised that the vehicle was occupied by three black males and the driver was wearing a white sweatshirt. While police were en route, MC reported that the Toyota had started driving north. Police searched the area and spotted the vehicle parked at Rose Ave E and Westminster St. All three occupants had exited the vehicle and the driver, the only suspect wearing white, was walking towards the back of the vehicle. Police stopped all three suspects. The driver lied and identified himself as Abdi Ali (01-01-1979). But, using IBIS, was later positively identified as Ali Hassen ABDIRANMAN ([DOB REDACTED]). The passengers were identified as CJR and MLR. After being Mirandized, MLR said ABDIRANMAN was the driver.
He said ABDIRANMAN picked them up earlier in the day from Rose Ave E/Westminster. CJR told police that ABDIRANMAN picked them up about an hour and half earlier. Police saw that the Toyota’s ignition had been “punched” and pulled out of the column. Auto thieves commonly punch an ignition so the stolen vehicle can be driven without a key. ABDIRANMAN claimed he had swallowed a bag of meth and was transported to Regions Hospital. After being released from Regions, ABDIRANMAN was booked at the LEC. ABDIRANMAN declined to be interviewed.
