Minneapolis, Minnesota – A 33-year-old Minnesota man is facing federal charges after authorities say he stole a rifle and suppressor from an FBI vehicle that was abandoned during civil unrest in north Minneapolis. Investigators allege the theft occurred amid a chaotic scene following a federal arrest operation that escalated Wednesday evening.
Incident Overview
Federal court records show Raul Gutierrez, 33, of Inver Grove Heights, has been charged with theft of public property and felon in possession of a firearm. The charges stem from an incident in which law enforcement alleges Gutierrez removed sensitive equipment from an unmarked FBI vehicle left behind during crowd disturbances.
According to an affidavit, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were assisting Department of Homeland Security personnel during an enforcement operation in north Minneapolis.
Timeline of Events
The arrest operation took place Wednesday evening, though court documents do not provide details of the original arrest. Around the same time, federal agents in the area shot a Venezuelan migrant in the leg during a separate encounter.
Authorities say civil unrest erupted shortly afterward, forcing FBI and DHS personnel to abandon multiple vehicles in the area.
“As a result, individuals within the crowd broke into an unmarked FBI vehicle and stole its contents,”
— affidavit filed in federal court
Details From Investigators
Investigators reviewed surveillance and bystander video footage showing a man later identified as Gutierrez removing a case containing a rifle and suppressor from the trunk vault of the federal vehicle.
Another video allegedly shows Gutierrez walking down the street carrying the rifle case before placing it into the trunk of a black Ford sedan.
The investigation was aided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which had previously investigated Gutierrez in unrelated cases.
Key Facts in the Case
- Defendant: Raul Gutierrez, 33
- Residence: Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
- Location of theft: North Minneapolis
- Date of incident: Wednesday evening
- Charges filed: Theft of public property, felon in possession of a firearm
- Stolen items: Rifle, suppressor, pistol, ammunition, tactical body armor, handheld radio, uniforms, and other equipment
- Prior convictions:
- 2018 – Reckless discharge of a firearm within a municipality (Minnesota)
- Approximately 2016 – Burglary of a building or dwelling in Dunn County, Wisconsin
Arrest and Statements to Police
Federal investigators identified Gutierrez through vehicle records and prior law enforcement intelligence. He was taken into custody Thursday morning following what court documents describe as a brief foot pursuit.
According to the affidavit, Gutierrez initially admitted to stealing the rifle, claiming that two other individuals later stole it from him. He later attempted to backtrack, saying he did not know what was inside the case.
Investigators say Gutierrez eventually acknowledged that he handled and possessed the rifle and knew he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.
Response From Homeland Security
In a statement posted on social media Friday morning, DHS officials said Gutierrez was “one of the individuals that was part of destroying the FBI vehicles” and vowed that he would be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Additional reporting on the case and court filings was referenced by national outlets, including Associated Press coverage of the incident and subsequent charges: https://apnews.com/
Public Safety and Awareness
Federal authorities emphasize that stolen law enforcement weapons pose a serious public safety risk, particularly when taken during periods of unrest. Investigators continue to search for any remaining stolen equipment and urge anyone with information to contact federal authorities.
Officials also warn that tampering with or stealing from federal vehicles carries severe federal penalties, especially when firearms and tactical gear are involved.
Conclusion
The charges against Raul Gutierrez highlight the risks law enforcement agencies face during volatile situations and the legal consequences individuals may face when exploiting disorder for criminal activity. The case remains under federal prosecution as investigators work to recover missing equipment.
If you witnessed events in the area or have concerns about public safety during civil disturbances, your perspective matters. Share your experiences in the comments below.
