(KNSI) — More than two years after a fire severely damaged a semi, a Sauk Rapids man has been arrested for aiding and abetting arson and insurance fraud.
According to the criminal complaint, on August 12th, 2020, firefighters were called to a semi-tractor on fire on the side of the road on County Road 75 and 240th Street in St. Augusta. Investigators contacted Freightliner of St. Cloud and learned that truck had been in the shop for the last eight days due to transmission issues but had been released less than an hour before the fire. Investigators determined the fire started in the sleeper cab, and the remains of a red gas can and towel soaked in what is believed to be gasoline were found between the driver and passenger seat. They also found an invoice for service addressed to Abdikadir Muhumud Mire, who was also the registered owner of the truck.
Court papers say August 14th, the 30-year-old Mire came into the Stearns County Law Enforcement Center and reported his truck missing, telling investigators Hussein Abdulahi Ahmed called him and said he parked the truck at the Pilot Gas Station on August 12th, but someone stole it. Mire denied mechanical issues with the truck, said Freightliner was ripping him off, and the truck was driving fine after Ahmed left Pilot. Mire was then told the truck was found burned on the side of the road. He said Ahmed would never set his own truck on fire. Investigators told Mire they were aware of the transmission issues and that he…
