Fargo man arrested after alleged firearm threat and shooting incident sparked SWAT and drone response
Fargo, North Dakota – A Fargo teenager was arrested after police say a threatening text message investigation quickly escalated into a shooting incident that prompted a large law enforcement response involving patrol officers, a SWAT team, and a specialized drone unit.
Authorities said the incident began during the early morning hours of May 29 when Fargo Police officers responded to investigate a suspicious text message that had been received by a victim. According to police, the message came from someone known to the victim and referenced the victim’s address in the 4300 block of Estate Drive South while also containing a threat involving a firearm.
As officers worked to gather information, they identified the suspect as 19-year-old Fargo resident Henok Francis.
Gunshot Heard During Phone Call
The situation intensified at approximately 2:24 a.m. while an officer was speaking by phone with a male witness connected to the investigation.
During the conversation, the witness informed police that he had spotted Francis in the area of the 4300 block of Estate Drive South. Moments later, a loud bang could reportedly be heard through the phone call.
The witness immediately told the officer that the noise was a gunshot and stated that Francis had fired in his direction. Fortunately, the witness was not struck by the gunfire and did not suffer any injuries.
Following the reported shooting, additional Fargo Police officers rushed to the neighborhood and established a perimeter in an effort to locate the suspect.
As the search continued, investigators received information suggesting Francis might be heading toward a residence in the 4500 block of Bluestem Court. Given the seriousness of the allegations and the reported use of a firearm, authorities expanded the operation and requested specialized assistance.
SWAT And Drone Teams Join Search
The Red River Valley SWAT Team and the Red River Regional Drone Team were activated to help locate the suspect and ensure public safety.
SWAT officers arrived at the scene at approximately 5:31 a.m. and focused their efforts on the residence where Francis was believed to be located. After conducting their investigation, officers determined that he was not inside the home.
The search continued for several more hours.
At approximately 7:26 a.m., the drone team located Francis in the 4000 block of 51st Way South. Just two minutes later, at 7:28 a.m., members of the Red River Valley SWAT Team took him into custody.
Police said the arrest occurred without incident and no additional injuries were reported.
Francis was transported to the Cass County Jail, where he was booked on charges of Terrorizing and Felony Reckless Endangerment with a Firearm.
The Fargo Police Department praised the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved in the response.
Officials specifically commended Fargo Police officers, the Red River Valley SWAT Team, and the Red River Regional Drone Team for their work in quickly locating the suspect and bringing the incident to a peaceful conclusion.
Police noted that the operation helped protect the community while preventing the situation from escalating further. The department said the successful resolution reflected its commitment to public safety and its mission of serving residents through professionalism and guardianship.
