Former St. Paul Police Officer Tou Mo Cha Charged with Arson at Wife’s Restaurant

– Former St. Paul officer arson charges
– St. Paul restaurant building arson.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Prosecutors have brought charges against a former St. Paul police officer for allegedly setting fire to the building that houses his wife’s St. Paul restaurant. The accused, identified as 55-year-old Tou Mo Cha, was captured on surveillance cameras exiting Checker Board Pizza and repeatedly entering the apartment entry to the building in Payne-Phalen before the fire erupted, according to a criminal complaint.

Cha, who had a troubled history during his time as a St. Paul police officer, was previously charged in 2004 for loaning his department-issued handgun, which was later used in a pair of drive-by shootings targeting members of the Hmong community. He pleaded guilty to making terroristic threats in 2005 and resigned from the police force. When contacted by phone, Cha expressed surprise at being charged with arson, denying any involvement in the incident.

The business, owned by Cha’s wife, is currently closed due to smoke damage from the fire. Despite ongoing renovations, the kitchen was still operational for takeout and delivery services prior to the fire. Property records indicate that the building at 992 Arcade St. is not owned by Cha or his wife.

The Ramsey County attorney’s office has charged Cha with second-degree arson of a building, citing evidence from video footage showing him in the vicinity of the fire. The fire, which caused extensive damage costing over $100,000, was determined to have started in the entry staircase of the apartment portion of the building, possibly ignited with gasoline.

In a separate incident in 2019, Cha was sentenced to 90 days in jail for assaulting a man outside Checker Board Pizza. The assault led to the firing of five St. Paul police officers who failed to intervene and provided false information about the incident. Prior to that, there were reports of assaults linked to security guards at Checker Board Pizza, including a case in 2014 where a man died two months after reporting an assault by bouncers.

The recent arson charge against Cha adds another layer to the troubled history of the establishment, raising questions about the safety and management of the business. As the investigation continues, the community awaits further developments in this ongoing legal saga..

– Former St. Paul officer charged with arson at building of wife’s St. Paul restaurant
– St. Paul officer charged with arson at building of wife’s St. Paul restaurant.