(WEST FARGO) – West Fargo Police are releasing new details regarding a Saturday morning shooting outside Prairie Heights Community Church in West Fargo.
Police say they reported to Prairie Heights Community Church in West Fargo at before 8 a.m. Saturday on a report of an assault and shots fired in the parking lot of the church. Upon arrival, officers were informed an altercation took place between three individuals who were not known to each other.
During the investigation, officers identified 25-year-old Austin Strom, from Browerville, Minn., who was attempting to unlawfully enter Prairie Heights Community Church. Kent Hodges, a 66-year-old West Fargo man, confronted Strom as he continued attempts to enter the building. At this point, Strom became extremely agitated and physically attacked the 66-year-old Hodges, a member of the church.
53-year-old Donald Barron II, of Moorhead, observed the ongoing aggravated assault and attempted to intervene. At that time, Strom began to advance at Baron, who then fired a single gunshot with his personal handgun. Strom was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Hodges, who initially confronted Strom, was transported to a local hospital with severe, but not-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing. West Fargo Police say there are no pending charges at this time.
The West Fargo Police Department says they will be forwarding their report to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office for a review upon completion of the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact West Fargo Police.
