Minneapolis Army Veteran Dies After Attempting to Stop Truck Theft; Two Arrested

Minnesota native Amos Ferrier lost his life while confronting thieves who were allegedly stealing stuff from his pickup truck. The incident took place on May 15, when the 38-year-old Army veteran was working at Rick’s Coffee Bar in Minneapolis. The coffee shop is operated by Every Third Saturday, a veteran-focused nonprofit of which he was a member.

Around 1:30 p.m., Ferrier noticed several people breaking into his pickup truck and stealing his bag. As he ran outside to confront them, the suspects got into their car and drove away. In an attempt to stop them, Ferrier jumped on their car's hood. Meanwhile, the suspects continued to drive until Ferrier was thrown off.

The father of two hit his head on the pavement. First responders arrived at the scene and took him to Hennepin County Medical Center. Ferrier underwent brain surgery at the hospital, but failed to regain consciousness. He died two days later, on May 17.

The Minneapolis Police Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) has now arrested two women in connection with the case. Riniyah Allen, 19, and an 18-year-old woman was taken into custody in St. Paul on May 19. Both have been charged with first-degree murder.

Announcing the arrests, Minneapolis Chief Brian O’Hara said, “The loss suffered by the family and loved ones of Amos Ferrier in this horrific incident cannot be undone. But the apprehension of those believed to be responsible brings hope that justice will be achieved. I am grateful for the coordinated efforts of investigators and community members that led to these arrests.”

Ferrier served in the Army for 15 years and was deployed to Afghanistan multiple times. After service, he joined Every Third Saturday to help other veterans readjust to civilian life. He worked as the organization's Internship Program Director.

The co-founder of the non-profit, Tom McKenna, was also present at Rick’s Coffee Bar when the incident occurred. Recalling how Ferrier was thrown off the car, McKenna said in an interview with Eyewitness News, “They carried him almost a full city block on the hood, and at some point, the driver of the vehicle swerved violently and threw him off, and he hit his head on the pavement and ended up costing his life.”

McKenna went on to describe Ferrier as a special soul. “In every sense of the word, he was just a special soul. He was infectious with his humor. He had this huge laugh, he was a big guy, and his laugh would reverberate throughout the whole building,” he said.

The space outside Rick’s Coffee Bar has now turned into a memorial for Ferrier. Multiple people reached the spot to pay condolences and place flowers and flags in memory of the Army veteran.

“He taught us that laughing is the best medicine. He certainly leaves behind a legacy of lives that he touched, and a way of doing things that will continue here for a long time,” McKenna further said.