MINNEAPOLIS — Federal prosecutors have charged Raul Gutierrez, 33, of Minneapolis, with being a felon in possession of a firearm and theft of government property after he allegedly broke into an FBI vehicle and stole a rifle during civil unrest earlier this month.
According to a criminal complaint filed Thursday, the incident occurred on Jan. 14, 2026, while FBI agents were assisting the Department of Homeland Security with a federal operation on Minneapolis’ North Side. Authorities said unrest broke out following the operation, forcing law enforcement personnel to abandon several vehicles at the scene.
Investigators allege that individuals in the crowd broke into an unmarked FBI vehicle and removed government property, including a Colt M16A1 rifle and a suppressor. Through open-source social media videos, investigators identified Gutierrez as the person seen removing a rifle case from the vehicle and later transporting it in a black Ford sedan.
The following day, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force conducted surveillance at Gutierrez’s residence. Authorities said they observed a tow truck transporting a vehicle matching the description seen in the videos.
When investigators attempted a traffic stop, the tow truck fled, according to the complaint. Gutierrez and the driver reportedly exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended.
Federal officials said Gutierrez has a prior felony conviction, making possession of a firearm illegal under federal law. He is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court.
Prosecutors emphasized that the criminal complaint is an allegation and that Gutierrez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. A decision on whether to seek a grand jury indictment is expected in the coming weeks.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, DHS, ATF, DEA, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Violent Offender Task Force. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.
