The Fargo Police Department and North Dakota Highway Patrol Perform Multi-Agency Downtown Traffic Detail

The Fargo Police Department and North Dakota Highway Patrol Perform Multi-Agency Downtown Traffic Detail

Agencies partnered the evening of Saturday, October 26

10/31/2024

On Saturday, October 26, from approximately 9 p.m. until early morning on Sunday, October 27, The Fargo Police Department (FPD) partnered with the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) to have an increased patrol presence in the downtown Fargo area to focus on traffic detail. The goal was to conduct enhanced law enforcement activities in collaboration with law enforcement partners to maintain a safe environment for the citizens of Fargo, visitors and surrounding communities.

A group of FPD officers and NDHP troopers took part in the downtown detail. The FPD's Real Time Crime Center was activated to assist officers and troopers in their efforts to enforce traffic safety. The NDHP aircraft was also used during this enforcement effort. The downtown detail resulted in a total of 82 traffic stops and responses to two traffic crashes.

The following arrests and citations were issued:

Criminal Citations/Arrests
• 14 - Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests
o 6 - DUI refusals
• 6 - narcotics related arrests
• 2 - Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle
• 2 - Refusal to Halt arrests
• 2 - outstanding warrant arrests
• 1 - Providing False Information to Law Enforcement
• 1 - Resisting Arrest
• 1 - Reckless Driving

Non-Criminal Citations
• 3 - operating motor vehicle without insurance
• 3 - failure to display current vehicle registration
• 1 - no headlamps

At approximately 9:50 p.m., a motorcyclist fled from an FPD officer during an attempted traffic stop for failure to display registration. The NDHP aircraft had been notified of the traffic stop, and followed the motorcycle until the it stopped at a gas station near the intersection of Brandt Dr. S. and 45th St. S. The driver, Zachary Lemieux (22-year-old Fargo resident) was arrested for Felony Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle and Driving Under Suspension; he was also cited for no insurance and failure to display current vehicle registration. The vehicle was impounded.

At approximately 10:50 p.m., an NDHP trooper attempted to stop a vehicle for a primary seat belt violation in the downtown Fargo area. When the driver observed the NDHP patrol car, the vehicle drove the wrong way on NP Ave. The NDHP aircraft began tracking the vehicle, until the fleeing vehicle struck a parked car and overturned at the intersection of 2nd Ave. S. and 18th St. S. in Fargo. The driver, Eric Terhaar (34-year-old Moorhead) was transported to a local health care facility for treatment of minor injuries. After being released by medical staff, Terhaar was arrested and transported to the Cass County Jail for Driving Under the Influence, Driving Under Suspension, Reckless Driving and Fleeing. In addition, he received citations for no insurance, driving the wrong way on one way roadway and failure to wear a seat belt.

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski stated, "Saturday night's operation exemplified the strength of our regional partnerships and our ongoing commitment to public safety within Fargo's downtown neighborhood and entertainment district. Working alongside the North Dakota Highway Patrol allowed us to enhance our presence and proactively address safety needs in this vibrant area. We are grateful for their collaboration and support, which are invaluable as we strive to create a safe environment for residents and visitors alike."

NDHP Captain Bryan Niewind added, "The North Dakota Highway Patrol remains dedicated to supporting our partner agencies in fostering safety across Fargo and surrounding communities. By working together, we strengthen our shared mission to provide a secure environment where residents and visitors can enjoy all our region has to offer, knowing that public safety is our top priority."