A suspicious customer wearing winter clothing at a Mankato store led to the arrest of a St. Peter resident who authorities believe was planning a devastating attack.
According to CBS Minnesota, Mohamed Adan Mohamed, 24, faces felony charges after allegedly stealing over $2,150 worth of tactical gear, including firearm magazines, bear spray, and body armor, from a Scheels store while making concerning statements about an AR-style rifle.
Store employees became alarmed when they noticed Mohamed's peculiar attire—a medical mask, gloves, a heavy winter jacket, and a green stocking cap—and his behavior of grabbing expensive items without checking the prices. Security attempted to stop him, but Mohamed fled in a Toyota Sienna, nearly hitting someone in the process.
Suspicious Social Media Activity Draws Police Attention
Prior to the shoplifting incident, local law enforcement had already been monitoring Mohamed's concerning online presence. An investigating officer recognized connections between the stolen items and Mohamed's recent social media posts, which showed him posing with firearms and ammunition.
One particularly alarming post featured Mohamed pointing what appeared to be an assault rifle at the camera, accompanied by a hashtag expressing anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments.
St. Peter Police Chief Matt Grochow had personally met with Mohamed before the incident to assess potential threats. During their interaction, Mohamed displayed appropriate behavior and showed no immediate signs of danger to the community. This evaluation led authorities to take no action at that time.
The investigation revealed Mohamed had left behind a detailed "Survival Gear List with Alternative" at the store, outlining various weapons and tactical equipment. The list included specific items like knives, bows and arrows, sleeping gear, and multiple firearm magazines - many of which matched the items he allegedly stole.
Law Enforcement Takes Swift Action Against Potential Threat
Following the shoplifting incident, authorities executed a search warrant at Mohamed's St. Peter residence.
Police successfully located and seized the firearm featured in his social media post, along with an AR-style rifle and two 3D-printed handguns. Mohamed was taken into custody without resistance.
A neighbor and former classmate named Dunia offered insights into Mohamed's character and mental state. She shared observations about gradual changes in his behavior during their school years.
Dunia shared her perspective on Mohamed:
We just start seeing Mohamed just start talking to himself, not socializing with us, with the kids. It's heartbreaking. He has a very beautiful heart. He's a really good guy. It's just, he's not mentally, physically there right now at the moment.
Legal Proceedings and Public Safety Measures
A court hearing addressed immediate concerns about public safety through an extreme risk protection order. The judge set Mohamed's bail at $500,000 and implemented a one-year prohibition on his possession of firearms, citing him as a potential risk to the public.
The criminal case involves multiple serious charges, including felony theft and threats of violence. Law enforcement's quick response to the shoplifting incident may have prevented a potentially catastrophic event from unfolding in the community.
Mohamed remains in custody as he awaits his next court appearance scheduled for May.
