Details on Downtown Fargo Robbery & Shooting

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Police and the BCI are investigating an armed robbery at a hotel that led to an officer-involved shooting. The suspect was shot and taken to Sanford.

 An officer-involved shooting hasn’t happened in our area in nearly five years.
 
Chief David Todd of Fargo Police said, “That was when one of our officers involved in a shooting over in Moorhead when we went over to assist.”

But it all started here. Around 2:20 this afternoon, an adult, white male walked into this Howard Johnson hotel. Police say he demanded money, fired a single shot and left. No one was hurt.
 
“Our officers while responding encountered the suspect in the area of 6th Avenue North and 4th Street North. As the officers approached the suspect, the suspect fired several rounds from a handgun, the officers exchanged fire,” said Chief Todd.

Area resident Brian Homuth said, “It sounded like three fireworks went off maybe spaced about three seconds apart so I thought it was fireworks and I came out here to get a soda and I see about eight cop cars so I heard it was a shooting from people around here.”

Police believe the alleged suspect fired the initial shots. But he was hit and is being treated for his injuries at Sanford.

“I’ve lived up here for eight, nine, ten years and I’ve only heard this once,” said Homuth.

As for the one or two officers involved in the shooting, police say there is strict protocol for these situations and that starts with administrative leave.

“Often times when we have one of our officers involved in something like this, it’s appropriate for us to bring in an outside agency,” said Chief Todd.

The BCI will be taking over the investigation of the shooting while Fargo Police continue to investigate the armed robbery.

The area of the shooting has been closed off which has prevented several area employees from accessing their cars.

Police have not released the alleged suspect’s name or current condition.