Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Minnesota man arrested in Grand Forks Somali restaurant fire

Juba Coffee House and Restaurant
Juba Coffee House and Restaurant, a popular Somali restaurant in Grand Forks, N.D., caught fire last week, leaving the building badly damaged.
Courtesy of Sarah Volpenhein | Grand Forks Herald

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Authorities in northern Minnesota have arrested the 25-year-old man accused of setting fire to a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks, N.D.

Matthew Gust was charged with arson in connection with a fire last week at the Juba Coffee House and Restaurant. Surveillance video showed someone breaking a window in the restaurant and tossing something inside. Authorities believe someone threw a molotov cocktail, made with a 40-oz. beer bottle, into the restaurant.

North Dakota authorities issued an arrest warrant for Gust, believed to be of East Grand Forks, Minn., on Friday.

Grand Forks police say he was arrested by authorities about 1 a.m. Tuesday morning in Polk County, which is across the Red River from Grand Forks. He is being held in Minnesota, and Grand Forks authorities expect him to be extradited to North Dakota.

The FBI has joined the investigation into the fire. It came just days after someone spray painted was believed to be a reference to Nazism and the words "go home" on the restaurant.