Fargo Police Fatally Shoot Armed Man During Mental Health Response
Fargo, ND – A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday morning when Fargo police fatally shot a 65-year-old man armed with a handgun while responding to a mental health call. At approximately 10 a.m., officers arrived at a residence in the 6100 block of 61st Avenue South after receiving multiple distress calls from the individual beginning around 7:30 a.m., during which he expressed suicidal thoughts and requested medical assistance.
Police Chief Dave Zibolski reported that officers engaged with the man for about 30 minutes inside the home. The situation escalated when the man exited the residence brandishing a handgun, prompting officers to discharge their weapons. Despite receiving immediate medical aid from emergency personnel, the man died at the scene.
Zibolski confirmed that the man’s identity would be disclosed Thursday as officials work to inform his next of kin. He emphasized the department’s previous interactions with the individual, noting that they included six contacts within the current year, all of which were resolved without incident.
Two officers were involved in the shooting: a sergeant with eight years of experience and a rookie officer with just ten months on the force. Their identities will be released on Friday, and they have been placed on administrative leave as per department policy.
Expressing condolences, Zibolski stated, "Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of this individual. Losing someone in this way is profoundly tragic." He also urged the community to keep the involved officers and their families in their thoughts during this traumatic time.
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently handling the investigation into the shooting.
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