GRAND FORKS COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — In a chilling escalation of youth violence, two Grand Forks teenagers are now facing adult charges after a brazen shooting incident that left two people injured and a community shaken.
On January 3, 2025, around 10:35 p.m., Grand Forks Police responded to reports of gunfire near the 1000 block of 42nd Street North, close to America’s Best Value Inn. Witnesses reported that 18-year-old Walker Poitra fired multiple rounds at a vehicle occupied by five individuals. Two passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Altru Hospital.
Earlier that evening, police had been called to the Knights Inn on North 47th Street, where a woman reported that 16-year-old Mason Allery showed her a handgun, removed bullets to prove its authenticity, and later pointed it at her during a confrontation.
Both Allery and Poitra were apprehended shortly after the shooting. Authorities recovered a teal Taurus 9mm handgun near the scene.
The two teens are each charged with:
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Five counts of Class A felony attempted murder
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Five counts of Class C felony reckless endangerment
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One count of Class C felony terrorizing
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One count of Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief
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One count of Class A misdemeanor, unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor
Both cases have been transferred to adult criminal court. Poitra is scheduled to appear in court on June 20, while Allery’s next hearing is set for July 31.
Did You Know?
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Class A felonies in North Dakota carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
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The swift action by law enforcement likely prevented further harm, highlighting the importance of community vigilance.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News