Grand Forks Police release identity, details on Tuesday evening stand-off

Grand Forks Police have released the identity of the individual arrested Tuesday night after a standoff in the City of Grand Forks.

According to Lieutenant Derik Zimmel, Grand Forks Police were looking to speak with 33-year-old Edward Harper, Jr., a Grand Forks resident, in regard to an allegation of possible kidnapping. An investigation uncovered information that indicated Harper, Jr., may have been armed with a firearm.

Grand Forks Police encountered the male near the 2200 block of Gateway Drive, where he fled authorities on foot.

Given the nature of the investigation, and the possibility the suspect may be armed, an emergency message was broadcast over the Emergency Alert System encouraging residents in the area to remain in their home.

A thorough search of the area was then done, which developed information that indicated Harper, Jr., was likely hiding in a residence in the 2200 block of 12th Avenue North. At that time, perimeters were established and the Special Operations Group teams were dispatched to the scene.

Two other individuals exited the residence during the course of the incident—one identified, spoken to and released; a 34-year-old Cesar Cruz, who was arrested on an unrelated warrant; and Harper, Jr., who was arrested on three unrelated warrants. Additional charges on Harper, Jr., will be forwarded.

Harper, Jr., remains under investigation for the kidnapping allegation.

Firearms were located within the residence, according to police.

The investigation is ongoing and active.