$10K Reward For Couple On Run After St. Paul Fires: Feds

TWIN CITIES, MN — A man and his girlfriend are on the run after he was identified as a suspect in several St. Paul fires, federal authorities said Thursday.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating 135 fires that took place in the Twin Cities during the unrest following the death of George Floyd.

The public helped identify Jose Felan Jr. after the bureau issued an initial reward notice last week, the ATF said. Video of Felan went viral, leading the couple to evade law enforcement, according to authorities.

Felan was seen at several locations igniting fires — including at Gordon Parks High School, which serves disadvantaged youth — according to the ATF.

Now, Felan and his girlfriend, Mena Dyaha Yousif, are believed to be traveling south, authorities said. Federal authorities are offering a $10,000 award for help in apprehending both Felan and Yousif.

"Last week, we asked for the public’s help identifying Felan, and we are grateful for the tremendous response," Special Agent William Henderson of the ATF said in a news release.

"ATF is working in close coordination with both the FBI and U.S. Marshal Service in [an] attempt to locate and apprehend these individuals. We’re asking the public to be on the lookout for the couple along the Interstate 35 corridor. If you see them, contact ATF with their whereabouts."

Felan has multiple felony convictions including drug offenses, burglary and aggravated assault, according to authorities.

"The decision made by some to terrorize our city through their dangerous and unlawful acts of arson was an affront to our community and those who were peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights," said Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell.

"Now, more than ever, is the time for all of us to work together to hold these offenders accountable and to continue our work together to keep Saint Paul safe for everyone."

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Felan or Yousif is asked to contact ATF. They can email or the use the Report It mobile app. Tipsters can also call 888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477).

Information can be submitted anonymously, but if a reward is sought, contact information must be included.

Felan has a distinctive mole on his outer left arm, according to investigators. He also has a tattoo with the name "Mena" with a large crown on the inside of his right forearm.