Incident Overview
Authorities reported that at least two firearms, along with ammunition and body armor, were taken from an FBI vehicle amid the chaos in Minneapolis this week, which erupted following a shooting involving ICE.
Prosecutors have charged Raul Gutierrez, identified as a member of the Latin Kings gang, for allegedly stealing a Colt M16A1 rifle. Gutierrez, already a convicted felon, faces charges for possession of a firearm by a felon and theft of government property.
The stolen items included a Glock 17M handgun, a Huxwrx suppressor, an FBI radio, a laptop, body armor, and ammunition for both weapons.
The unrest in Minneapolis was triggered when an ICE officer shot and injured an undocumented immigrant who was reportedly attacking him. This incident followed another recent shooting involving ICE that left one individual dead.
During the turmoil on Wednesday night, officers from the FBI and DHS abandoned their vehicles as crowds overwhelmed them. Video footage captured individuals breaking into these cars.
Authorities utilized video evidence to identify Gutierrez as he was seen taking the rifle case and suppressor from the trunk of an unmarked vehicle. His distinct facial tattoo aided in his identification.
When law enforcement attempted to apprehend him during a traffic stop on Thursday, he fled but was eventually caught. In interviews with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), he initially confessed to stealing the gun but later altered his story.
Travis Riddle, special agent in charge of ATF’s St. Paul Field Division stated that this arrest highlights their commitment to preventing individuals from exploiting situations for criminal activities. The FBI condemned the theft from its vehicle as “brazen” and disrespectful to public safety.
Gutierrez has previous convictions including firearm discharge, domestic assault by strangulation, and burglary. The Drug Enforcement Administration had previously investigated him for involvement in fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking.
