Fargo Police Chief gives updates on officer involved shooting, staffing increases, and the drug task force

Courtesy of: Fargo Police Department
Courtesy of: Fargo Police Department

(Fargo, ND) -- The Fargo Police Department is sharing more details related to last Friday's officer involved shooting, increased staffing levels within the department, and the regional drug task force.

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski joined WDAY Midday to speak on a myriad of topics. He first addressed questions related to the fatal officer-involved shooting of Shane Netterville, who officials say passed away from his injuries after officer Adam O'Brein fired his weapon at the vehicle attempting to flee a garage in south Fargo. Chief Zibolski says he understands the public wants to see body-camera footage of the incident, but says an early release is not only difficult to do, but could possibly altar the outcome of the investigation being conducted by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

"I think it's in everyone's best interest to follow this process, "said Zibolski," To release information ahead of time and bias the final outcome would not benefit anyone... You want a thorough unbiased review... I understand the desire to look at pieces of information early but [these are] complex investigations."

Zibolski then addressed police department staffing numbers, which he expressed optimism for. The Chief says the Police Academy will graduate on August 8th, calling the event "probably the largest single hire amount in department history."

"I think we are seeing some light at the end of that staffing tunnel, "said Zibolski, "Folks that are here are committed to being here and are doing a great job. We are going to have a pretty large group coming this fall and will be trained up by the end of the year."

Zibolski then turned his attention to the drug trade in our region, highlighting what he calls a "huge influx of M30 Fentanyl pills."

"Drugs themselves and the overdose situation is still very active and really a top concern, "asserted Zibolski, "We formalized an agreement with the Cass County Drug Task Force and so we are all working collectively in our region on this particular issue."

 

 

Original Air Date: 
Saturday, July 16, 2022