Apartment of suspected Fargo cop-killer searched

Law enforcement descended upon the apartment of a North Dakota shooting suspect, who allegedly opened fire on a Fargo street Friday, fatally striking a police officer and seriously injuring two others before being killed himself by return gunfire.

The US Marshals, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were seen using an aerial ladder and basket to inspect the third-floor apartment at the Bluemont Village Apartments on 23rd Avenue South in Fargo.

A remote-controlled robot and drone were also used in the search, which started shortly before midnight, according to KFGO.

All residents were evacuated from the building around 6 p.m. and were told they would more than likely not be able to return until Saturday. Several slept in their cars or stayed with family and friends while they waited out the search, the outlet reported.

Residents were told the search would take so long due to officials needing a federal warrant to access the unit. Residents were allowed back into their homes around 7 a.m. on Saturday.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, had reportedly moved into the unit just a few months ago, according to residents who knew him and said he mostly kept to himself.

One resident said she saw the man in management’s office on Friday, complaining about something. Another said they saw him in the garage area in the early afternoon that day, KFGO reported.

The shooting took place around 3 p.m. on Friday near the intersection of 25th Street and 9th Avenue South when officers were responding to a car crash.

One officer was killed in the shooting, and two others were critically injured, the Fargo Police Department confirmed. A civilian was also seriously hurt.

The suspect was also injured when police returned fire and later died.

None of the victims’ names have been released at this time.

Several witnesses said their cars were hit with bullets during the shootout.

“I saw the traffic stop and as soon as I drove, shots were fired and I saw the cops go down,” Shannon Nichole told the radio station. “My airbag went off and the bullet went through my driver’s door.”

A second witness, who was driving with her daughter, said she saw the suspect pull out a gun and open fire in the officers’ directions.

“He proceeds to aim it and you just hear the bullets go off, and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God! He’s shooting!” Chenoa Peterson said.

A procession for the fallen officer took place on Friday evening. Hundreds of police vehicles drove through the city to honor the fallen officer.

With Post wires