MEDIA ALERT - West Fargo Police Department responds to Tuesday, March 31 incident outside Cheney Middle School

[Addie Stewart]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact: Addie Stewart, West Fargo Police Department Manager of Public Information Addisen...@westfargond.gov Office: 701-515-5322 Cell: 701-405-5781

West Fargo Police Department responds to Tuesday, March 31 incident outside Cheney Middle School

(West Fargo, N.D. – March 31, 2026) At approximately 8:45 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, the West Fargo Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at the intersection of 9th Street E. and 13th Avenue E.   The driver of the vehicle refused to pull over after law enforcement attempted the stop. The suspect vehicle fled at a low rate of speed towards Cheney Middle School (825 17th Ave. E.), where a juvenile passenger exited the vehicle in the drop-off lane. The driver then exited the vehicle and immediately began to aggressively engage with officers. Officers quickly apprehended the suspect before the situation could escalate further. The suspect was arrested without any further incident.   Lee Henry Smith, a 43-year-old male from West Fargo, North Dakota, was arrested for misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer and misdemeanor preventing arrest. Smith was cleared by Sanford Ambulance at the scene and was transported to the Cass County Jail.   The West Fargo Police Department was assisted by Sanford Ambulance.   This incident was unrelated to any West Fargo Public Schools personnel or operations.

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About West Fargo Police Department The West Fargo Police Department operates with 83 sworn police officers, seven K-9 units, 15 civilian employees and nine volunteers. The department has the responsibility to protect life and safeguard property in a highly effective and efficient manner and to engage the community in a collaborative crime prevention program. For information about the West Fargo Police Department events, please visit www.westfargopolice.com or follow @WestFargoPolice on Facebook, X and Instagram.

 

Addie Stewart Manager of Public Information, West Fargo Police Department
		Phone: 701-515-5322 Mobile: 701-405-5781 Addisen...@westfargond.gov  800 4th Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078 Visit us online: westfargopolice.com
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