A hostage situation in Grand Forks, North Dakota, ended with the successful rescue of the victim when law enforcement officers intervened. The incident unfolded on the evening of December 5, 2023, in the 1400 block of 10th Avenue North and involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Forks Police Department.
According to a report from the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, the situation escalated after a woman contacted dispatch, claiming she was holding a man hostage in an apartment. Responding officers quickly located the apartment unit and assessed the situation, identifying exigent circumstances that necessitated immediate entry to protect the hostage’s life.
Upon entering the apartment, officers encountered both the hostage and the suspect. The report states that officers perceived a threat, prompting one deputy to discharge his firearm multiple times at the suspect. Fortunately, the hostage was unharmed during the exchange, but the suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, and the suspect was transported by ambulance to Altru Hospital for treatment.
No officers sustained injuries during the incident, and the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there is no ongoing danger to the public. As part of standard procedure, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation.
The investigation is being conducted collaboratively by the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, the Grand Forks Police Department, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information regarding the incident to reach out to the Sheriff’s Office at 701-780-8280.
This incident highlights the complexities and dangers faced by law enforcement officers in crisis situations, as well as their commitment to ensuring the safety of individuals in peril.
