FARGO, N.D. – Fargo Police say a 65-year-old Fargo man is dead following an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning.
Police Chief David Zibolski said in a Wednesday afternoon press conference that, at approximately 10:52 a.m., officers were at a call for service in the 6100 block of 61st Avenue South. The officers ended up being involved in a ‘critical incident’ — the officer-involved shooting.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of this individual,” the chief said. “We understand that losing someone in this way is profoundly tragic.”
Next of kin notifications are currently underway, and the name of the man who died will be released sometime Thursday, Zibolski said.
He said the department had received ‘numerous calls’ for service since approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning from the individual, who was asking for medical assistance and was expressing suicidal ideations. The department reported that six calls for service from the individual have been documented in 2024.
“Our department has had a number of prior contacts with the decedent, as well, related to mental health issues,” Zibolski said. Those calls were able to be resolved without incident.
After 10 a.m. this morning, officers responded to the residence and conducted dialogue with the individual. At approximately 10:52 a.m., the individual exited the residence, armed with a gun. That’s when, Zibolski said, two officers shot the individual. Despite immediate care, the individual died on scene.
A sergeant with eight years of service, and an officer with ten months of service, have been placed on administrative leave, per department policy.
The North Dakota Bureau of Investigation is the lead agency, due to the officer-involved shooting.