Matthew Gust
A suspect is in custody, facing a felony arson charge, for the fire that heavily damaged Juba, a Somali-owned coffee house and restaurant in Grand Forks. Polk County sheriff’s deputies and state troopers arrested 25-year-old Matthew Gust, of East Grand Forks late Monday night at a motel in Fosston. Grand Forks Police Lt. Derik Zimmel says investigators had gathered enough information to issue a warrant for Gust’s arrest on Friday. He says Gust allegedly told others he was responsible for the fire. He also had injuries consistent to the incident. Police believe the suspect received cuts to the right hand or arm after breaking a window at the business. Zimmel says they have not determined if last Tuesday’s arson fire is connected to vandalism to the business several days earlier.