Army Medic, Father Of 2 Killed Trying To Stop Minneapolis Auto Theft; 2 Women Arrested: Police

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Amos Ferrier was a decorated Army medic, a beloved internship director, and a father of two sons, Liam and Elliot.

A fundraiser organized to support his sons' education described Ferrier as a "bright light to everyone he met," known for his "infectious laugh, big smile, and the warmth he brought to every room."

Ferrier, 38, died May 17, two days after he suffered a serious head injury during an attempted auto theft in Minneapolis.

Two women were later arrested on possible murder charges in connection with his death, police said.

"The loss suffered by the family and loved ones of Amos Ferrier in this horrific incident cannot be undone," Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said after the arrests. "But the apprehension of those believed to be responsible brings hope that justice will be achieved."

At about 1:35 p.m. on May 15, Third Precinct officers responded to the 5400 block of 43rd Avenue South on what was initially reported as a personal injury accident, police said.

Officers found Ferrier unconscious in the street after he had been thrown from a vehicle, according to police.

Police provided medical aid before Ferrier was taken by ambulance to Hennepin Healthcare with life-threatening injuries, police said.

Preliminary information indicates Ferrier confronted two people who were trying to steal his vehicle, authorities said.

The suspects abandoned the attempted theft and ran to the vehicle they had arrived in, according to police.

As the suspects tried to flee, Ferrier was either struck by the suspects' vehicle or jumped onto the hood, police said. The suspects continued driving evasively, causing Ferrier to be thrown from the hood and suffer a serious head injury, according to police.

Authorities said the suspects fled the area.

On May 17, MPD was notified that Ferrier had died from his injuries.

"This is a tragic event that has devastated a family and shocked the community," O'Hara said in an earlier statement. "The reckless disregard for the value of human life shown in this case is horrifying, and those responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

On May 19, O'Hara announced that MPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Riniyah Allen, 19, and Jalaya Frost, 18, on the 1000 block of Kingsford Street in St. Paul.

Both women were booked into the Hennepin County Jail.

both Frost and Allen were being held without bail on probable cause murder allegations.

"I am grateful for the coordinated efforts of investigators and community members that led to these arrests," O'Hara said.

The fundraiser for Ferrier's sons said the money will help support Liam and Elliot's education.

"We are raising funds to support Liam and Elliot's education and help provide them with the opportunities their father worked so hard to secure for them," the fundraiser states.

As of Friday morning, the fundraiser had raised more than $7,200 toward a $16,000 goal.

The MPD incident number is 26-128233.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Minneapolis police by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-5845.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or CrimeStoppersMN.org.