At least three Brooklyn Park businesses suffered damage from fires believed to be arson related in April, and the ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and prosecution of two suspects.
Officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives say the fires occurred at the K&J Shopping Center at 3200 Brookdale Drive North in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in the early morning hours on April 19, 2021.
Surveillance videos provided by the ATF show two suspects with gasoline containers, pouring a suspected ignitable liquid throughout the businesses. The suspects then ignited the vapors causing large fireballs to erupt, heavily damaging the businesses.
Three businesses were damaged in the fires, including De Amour Nails, Kelly’s Diamond Realty and Top 2 Bottom Fashions.
A prior media report also indicated that at least two other businesses in the strip mall had their doors smashed in the incident.
The fires were set within a string of several days of protests and looting in the nearby city of Brooklyn Center following the fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. Officials have not stated whether the arsons are related or connected to the protests.
“This is a clear act of arson,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Jon Ortiz of the St. Paul Field Division. “The challenge now is to determine who these individuals are, which is why we are reaching out to the public for information. We encourage folks who may know these individuals or details surrounding the incident to call ATF.”
Anyone with information about this incident or identification of the individuals involved is urged to contact ATF. Call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email NGSGvcf@ngs.tbi or submit information anonymously via www.ReportIt.com or the Report It mobile app.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
