EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The U.S. Attorney charged an Eden Prairie man with arson after he allegedly set fire to a townhome with four children inside, according to a press release Wednesday.
The Eden Prairie Fire Department responded to the blaze on May 31 around 11:30 a.m. One adult man and four children were in the home at the start of the fire. All had escaped by the time officials responded except for a 9-month-old child.
Firefighters entered the home and were able to rescue that infant. The baby was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but survived the incident, according to court documents. One adult and three additional children were also taken to the hospital for treatment and observation.
According to prosecutors, Abdirahman Abdi Abdullahi, 23, was on probation for violating a restraining order issued for his ex-girlfriend who lived in the townhome that was set on fire. He allegedly messaged her two days before the fire, saying “when I see u I’m smoke u."
Surveillance video recovered by investigators reportedly shows Abdullahi carrying a gas can through bushes to reach the townhouse, then later emerging from behind the bushes with the gas can and returning to a rental vehicle.
Prosecutors say additional surveillance footage shows Abdullahi filling up the gas can at a nearby gas station.
Abdullahi faces one charge of arson causing injury. He made his first court appearance on July 1.
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