West Fargo Standoff Ends Peacefully
An armed standoff in West Fargo comes to a peaceful end.
37-year-old Jan Michel Wangstad is now in custody.
At 6:17 p.m., West Fargo Police Chief Mike Reitan says that Wangstad surrendered peacefully.
Police were called to the Rodeway Inn at 12:56 p.m., when witnesses saw the man with a gun.
When two officers arrived, Wangstad used a hand gun and shot one round, causing them to retreat.
The officers began to evacuate people from the motel.
A male and two females fled from the room, leaving Wangstad alone.
The suspect then fired multiple rounds but it has not been confirmed how many shots were fired.
No one was injured.
When Wangstad surrendered to negotiators he was taken to a local hospital to be medically cleared before being sent to Cass County jail.
Law enforcement and nearby residents say they’re glad the tense situation ended peacefully.
“Certainly the murder of Officer Moszer was something that played in my mind. And I’m sure it did to everyone else who responded to the scene. We need to continue to respond to these incidents. We need to do what we’re paid to do and make our community safe,” says West Fargo Police Chief Mike Reitan.
“That was one of my big concerns, just for everyone’s safety. I’m really glad to see it ended in a relatively peacefully,” says Bryce Hein of West Fargo.
Wangstad faces charges of felon possession firearm, two count attempted murder and warrant 4th degree criminal sexual conduct.
His motives are still unknown.
More than 20 motel residents were evacuated to Veteran’s Arena.
The Red Cross will find temporary lodging for those displaced.
