Do you know what the #FargoPD’s role is when a registered sex offender moves into Fargo? We often get questions about why the FPD “allows” a registered sex offender to live in a specific neighborhood. The simple answer is this: we do not have the authority to decide where registered sex offenders can live or work. Individuals required to register have completed their court-ordered sentence and are lawfully able to live where they choose, as long as they meet the conditions of their registration requirements and comply with North Dakota law based on their assigned risk level. All people have the right to live and work in the community. North Dakota law does not prohibit a low or moderate risk sex offender from living near schools, parks or daycare facilities unless a condition of probation prohibits it. A high-risk sex offender may not reside within 500 feet of a public or nonpublic preschool, elementary, middle or high school. The role of the Fargo Police Department is to ensure compliance with state registration laws and to help keep the public informed when a registered offender moves into the community. If you want to stay informed, there are a few ways to do so. You can receive neighborhood alerts through the Nextdoor app, where we post updates for moderate and high-risk offenders. You can also sign up for email notifications through the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry. To do this, visit the registry website, use the “Location Search” tool, enter your address and desired search radius, then select “Track All” and enter your email to receive automatic updates when a registered offender moves into your area. For additional information about sex offender registration in North Dakota, visit: sexoffender.nd.gov/questions.

Did you know the #FargoPD has an anonymous tip line? While we're not seeking information about any specific case in this post, the tip line is an important tool that allows community members to share information that may help investigators solve crimes, locate wanted or missing individuals, identify suspects, or bring concerns to our attention. 📱 Submit an anonymous tip by texting FARGOPD to 847411 or by calling 701.241.5777 A few things to know: 🔹 Tips can be submitted anonymously 🔹 The tip line does not have caller ID 🔹 You can choose to leave your contact information if you'd like investigators to follow up 🔹 The tip line is not monitored 24/7 🚨 If you need immediate assistance or are reporting an emergency, call 911. Many cases are solved because someone took a few moments to share information. If you see something concerning or have information that could help an investigation, our tip line is one more way to connect with the Fargo Police Department.

Sometimes the calls come with feathers and whiskers. #FargoPD CSO Tay Sauvageau helped rescue a young bunny and a group of baby ducklings from a window well yesterday, carefully bringing them to safety before the search was on to reunite the ducklings with mom. This behind-the-scene look follows the rescue, release and the final stretch to get everyone to safety. 🦆🐇

⚽🌎 Who's ready for the World Cup? Our #FargoPD K-9s who come to us from across the world certainly are! 🇺🇸 K-9 Thor, who's from Minnesota, is backing Team USA. 🇨🇿 K-9 Toby is proudly cheering for his home country of Czechia. 🇫🇷 K-9 Uno is putting his support behind his home nation and tournament favorite France. We had a little fun imagining what our K-9s might look like as World Cup superfans using their department photos and we think they look ready for kickoff.

🛴🚲 E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more common in Fargo, but not all of these devices are treated the same under current state law and Fargo city ordinance. Many newer e-scooters (motorized scooters) and electric-powered bikes can travel faster than older models and may not fit neatly within Fargo's ordinances. As a result, currently where a device can legally be operated often depends on how it is designed and its maximum speed. The graphic below outlines how current Fargo ordinances and North Dakota Century Code apply to some of the most common e-bikes and e-scooters seen in our community today. Before purchasing or riding one of these devices, do your research. Just because a vehicle is sold in a store or online does not necessarily mean it is currently legal to operate on Fargo streets, sidewalks or multi-use paths. While other communities may have different regulations, this information reflects the current laws and ordinances that apply in Fargo today. If these ordinances and/or laws change, or a new ordinance and/or law is added, we will share those updates with the community. Thanks for understanding and for doing your part to keep our sidewalks, paths and roadways safe for everyone. 🚦

Today, #FargoPD officers and members of the Red River Valley SWAT Team rolled into the final day of Happy Harry's RibFest at the FARGODOME for Touch-A-Truck Day. Kids and adults adults alike got an up-close look at our vehicles, equipment and the people who use these tools every day. Thanks to everyone who came out and braved the heat, stopped by to chat, ask questions and check things out. It's always fun connecting with the community in these ways.

Congratulations to #FargoPD K-9 Axel and his handler, Officer Adam Schock, who officially work their first shift together tonight, Friday, June 5! 🐾🚓 Earlier this week, after successfully completing and graduating an intensive 12-week training and certification program through Code Blue K9 LLC., Officer Schock and K-9 Axel will serve the residents and visitors of Fargo on the night shift. K-9 Axel is trained in narcotics to detect heroin, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl and ecstasy. He is also certified in patrol functions including tracking, area searches, building searches and criminal apprehension. Congratulations to Officer Schock and K-9 Axel on this exciting milestone. We're proud to have them serving the Fargo community as part of #TeamFargo!

On Friday, June 5, at approximately 12:46 a.m., #FargoPD Officers located a stolen vehicle involved in several fleeing incidents over the previous day in the driveway of a residence in the 400 block of 23rd Street South. The vehicle was originally reported as stolen on Wednesday, June 3. On Wednesday, officers identified the suspect as 27-year-old Johnathan Edward Ortiz, with no permanent address. On Thursday, June 4, officers located Ortiz and the stolen vehicle in Fargo. When officers first attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Ortiz fled at a high rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue, at this time, but continued to monitor the vehicle’s movements. Shortly after fleeing the initial traffic stop, Ortiz verbally confronted a member of the Metro Area Street Crimes Unit who was conducting surveillance on the vehicle in the 2400 block of South University Drive. Ortiz then quickly fled the area and, in the process, attempted to run the plainclothes officer off the road. Later that day, as officers located the stolen vehicle again, the suspect accelerated toward a Fargo Police Officer’s squad car, swerved and fled again. Based on these repeated dangerous actions, officers were authorized to initiate a pursuit of the vehicle. Several additional encounters then occurred throughout the afternoon, but Ortiz continued to flee from officers. Upon locating the stolen vehicle in the residential driveway early Friday morning, officers set up a perimeter and positioned their squad cars in an attempt to contain the vehicle. Ortiz was located inside the driver seat of the vehicle, along with two passengers, and attempted to flee again by intentionally ramming multiple squad cars. After getting through, he then drove through several residential yards, causing significant fence and property damage at multiple homes. Eventually, the vehicle became disabled from the damage, and Ortiz fled on foot. Officer Ben Lien deployed K-9 Murph, who quickly apprehended the suspect, resulting in minor injuries to Ortiz. Ortiz received medical care and was later cleared to be transported to the Cass County Jail. Ortiz was arrested for fleeing in a motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, refusal to halt, reckless endangerment, felony criminal mischief and multiple prior offenses. The two other passengers in the vehicle were compliant with officers and detained without incident. One of the passengers was later released; the second, 32-year-old Adam Lee Busche with no permanent address, was arrested on outstanding warrants for probation violations. No officers were injured during this incident, however, multiple squad cars received significant damage. Officers also attempted to contact all affected homeowners to provide case information regarding damage to their property. The stolen vehicle was impounded. The Fargo Police Department commends the coordinated response of its officers and partner agencies in bringing this to a safe conclusion for the community at large. The FPD remains dedicated to protecting the community by demonstrating our core values of Professionalism and Guardianship.

Join us in congratulating #FargoPD Officer Shelby Layman on graduating from the @UnitedWayFargo's 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program during yesterday’s ceremony on Thursday, June 4! 🌟 Over the past several months, Officer Layman invested in her personal and professional growth through a program designed to develop emerging leaders and strengthen their ability to make a positive impact in their organizations and communities. Through training in communication, leadership, public speaking, goal setting and conflict resolution, she gained valuable skills that will continue to benefit the people she serves every day. Officer Layman’s dedication to learning, growth and service reflects the commitment to professionalism we strive for at The Fargo Police Department. Congratulations, Officer Layman, on this outstanding achievement! 👏

School's out for summer! ☀️🎉 Today, #FargoPD officers increased their presence at every @FargoNDSchools elementary school to help students celebrate the last day of school and kick off summer break. Even Chief Stefonowicz and our entire executive staff joined the fun in greeting students, sharing high-fives and helping make the last day extra special. Positive interactions like these help build trust, strengthen relationships and remind young people that we're here to serve our community in many different ways. Congratulations on a great school year, Fargo! Have a safe and fun summer! 😎

A few extra seconds isn't worth the risk. Speed limits, traffic laws and safe driving practices are in place to protect everyone on the road. Choosing to slow down, stay patient and drive responsibly helps keep Fargo's streets safe for drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike. Our Traffic Safety Team is out every day working to address dangerous driving behaviors, just like during this targeted speed enforcement effort on 12th Ave. N. yesterday where officers stopped two vehicles traveling 76 mph in a 35 mph zone among several other stops for high speed.

We’re proud to share that the #FargoPD has earned Elite status in the 2025 Lexipol Readiness Recognition Program, the highest level of achievement available. This recognition reflects the work our officers and staff put in every day to stay current on policies, training and best practices so they can serve Fargo safely, professionally and effectively. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays an important role in helping us meet the needs of our growing community. We’re honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Fargo each day.

The Red River Valley SWAT Team will be conducting training exercises on Thursday, June 4, at the following locations from 4-8:30 p.m. • The 50 block of 4th Street North • The 400 block of 3rd Avenue North SWAT Team members may be seen carrying firearms and moving around the exterior of a building; however, no live rounds will be used during the training exercise. The public can expect to hear loud noises and yelling in the area. Additionally, there will be several SWAT vehicles in the area with activated emergency lights. There is no safety concern for the public or surrounding area. If residents have concerns, please contact the Red River Regional Dispatch Center by calling 701.451.7660 and ask to speak with one of the training facilitators at the training site. This is a closed training exercise and is not open to members of the media or the general public.

Join us in congratulating #FargoPD Officer Adam Schock and his K‑9 partner, Axel, on graduating and earning their certification in narcotics detection and patrol work! The pair completed 12 weeks of intensive training with Code Blue K-9 in Rushford, Minnesota. The road to certification is physically demanding, mentally challenging and requires countless hours of training, trust and teamwork. It's during this process that the bond between handler and K-9 is built and lifelong connections are formed with fellow handlers and trainers from across the region. A special thank you to the trainers at Code Blue K-9 for their expertise, guidance and commitment throughout the training process. Born in Slovakia on October 16, K-9 Axel is trained to detect heroin, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl and ecstasy. He is also certified in patrol functions including tracking, area searches, building searches and criminal apprehension. While Axel's favorite part of the job is bite work, he's also a big fan of pets, attention and spending time with his family. With certification now complete, Officer Schock and K-9 Axel are ready to hit the streets of Fargo and begin serving our community together.