6:25 PM UPDATE: Moorhead Police say their investigation is complete into a disturbance Wednesday.
An investigation shows that the sound was not a gunshot. It was caused by a mechanical malfunction involving a nearby HVAC system, which produced a loud noise consistent with what the officer initially believed to be a gunshot.
“There is no evidence to support that a gunshot was fired,” police said in a release.
The officer acted in good faith and followed department protocol by calling for assistance, the department said. The response was appropriate given the nature of the report and the department’s commitment to public safety.
“We take all reports of possible gunfire seriously and respond with the resources necessary to protect our community,” said Chief Chris Helmick. “In this case, the officer responded appropriately based on what was heard, and our team worked quickly to investigate and ensure there was no threat to the public. We’re thankful the officer was not in harm’s way, and we will always err on the side of caution when it comes to public safety.”
UPDATE: Moorhead Police said it lifted the shelter in place order at 2:00 PM.
MOORHEAD, Minn. – Moorhead Police have issued a shelter-in-place alert as they continue an investigation into a disturbance.
The alert is for the area between 12th Avenue South and 24th Avenue South, from 14th Street to 26th Street, as a precaution while officers continue the investigation. The alert was issued at 12:30 p.m.
According to Police Sergeant Joe Brannan, a Moorhead Police officer was conducting a follow-up in the 1800 block of 20th Street South this morning. As the officer approached the building, he heard what sounded like a gunshot and immediately called for backup. Out of an abundance of caution, a large police presence was deployed to the area.
Video courtesy: Gabriel Peltier
https://www.facebook.com/gabriel.peltier.2025/videos/766032959795143?idorvanity=324245082577107
Officers utilized available tools, including a drone and the BearCat vehicle, to safely assess the situation.
Original Story:
MOORHEAD, Minn. – Police in Moorhead are responding to an ongoing incident and are asking the public to avoid the area.
“Due to an ongoing incident, the Moorhead Police Department is asking the public to avoid 20th Street South between 12th Avenue South and I-94 until further notice,” the department posted to social media.
Police are responding to a disturbance in the 1800 block of 20th Street South, according to police spokeswoman Katie Ettish. There is no known threat to the public and no shelter-in-place has been issued at this time.
That’s an area south of Minnesota State Moorhead from Romkey Park to Minnesota State Community and Technical College.
Valley News Live reporter Harrison Pray tells Flag Family News that the Red River Valley SWAT team has been called to the scene.
Flag Family News will bring you more information as it becomes available.
