Minneapolis Ice Cream Shop Targeted in 2 Arsons, Charges Say

Oct 23

A 30-year-old Fridley man is accused of setting fire to a Minneapolis ice cream shop in back-to-back incidents this week.

Prosecutors say the suspect used Molotov cocktails to start the fires in both attacks.

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According to the criminal complaint, police say Firomsa Ahmed Umar threw a lit incendiary device through the window of Fletcher's Ice Cream & Cafe on the 300 block of Hennepin Avenue East around 12:52 p.m. Monday. The same business had been targeted the previous night at about 10:45 p.m.

Witnesses reported seeing a man later identified as Umar flee both times in a Honda Odyssey registered to him. Security footage from both dates reportedly showed Umar lighting and throwing the devices into the business before driving off, the documents say.

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Police located Umar and the vehicle near Ontario Street and University Avenue Southeast shortly after the second incident. Officers said a red gasoline container was sitting on the front passenger seat. Umar was arrested at the scene.

Investigators said both attacks caused damage to the front window, nearby walls and cement outside the business. Two broken glass bottles consistent with Molotov cocktails were found among the debris, along with traces of accelerant.

While there was no motive specified in the charging documents, the ice cream shop has a large LGBTQ+ flag on its exterior.

Umar is charged with two felony counts of first-degree arson, each carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted. He remains in custody at the Hennepin County Jail on $100,000 bail with orders barring contact with the business.

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