Fargo man sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for pointing gun at officers during traffic stop

(Fargo, ND) -- A Fargo man is being sentenced to nearly five years in prison and three years of supervised release 

Authorities say 40-year-old Shawn Larkin (Fargo, ND) was stopped early September 9th, 2020, by Fargo Police due to a suspended license. A representative with the U.S Attorney's Office says that is when Larkin became uncooperative and fought with officers as he was being taken into custody. That is when authorities say Larkin pulled out a loaded handgun and pointed it at officers, who were able to subdue him and bring him to custody. Officers say they found two loaded handguns, multiple drugs, and drug paraphernalia both on Larkin and within his vehicle. 

Larkin was not allowed to own or possess a firearm due to felony convictions that occurred during a 2001 Wisconsin theft and 2012 simple assault on a peace officer in North Dakota. Larkin also has been prosecuted in the past for a previous Felon in possession of a firearm charge in 2013. 

“Felons with guns are a threat to our law enforcement partners and the safety of our communities,” said U.S State's Attorney Mac Schneider, “The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to taking felons in possession of firearms off the street. This strong sentence is a reflection of that commitment.” 

The case was investigated by multiple agencies; including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fargo Police Department, and the Cass County Sheriff's Office.