Mugshot: Brandon Lee Gunhammer
Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) A Fargo man faces several felony charges after police say he stole a work van outside the Fargo Civic Center. The van was left running while a worker unloaded items for a Christmas event.
According to court documents, 29-year-old Brandon Lee Gunhammer is charged with felony theft, possession of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges were filed Monday in Cass County District Court.
Police were called to the Civic Center on Saturday around 11:21 a.m. for a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle’s owner said his worker had parked at the front entrance to unload supplies for an upcoming Christmas event. The worker left the van running with flashers on for about ten minutes.
When he returned, he saw the van driving north on 4th Street and then east on 4th Avenue. The van contained food items, clothing, and a backpack with about $1,400 in cash.
Security video helped officers identify Gunhammer. He was located Sunday afternoon in the 1400 block of 35th Street South. Police say the officer recognized him from the video.
Gunhammer later admitted he stole the van. He said he had been drinking and did not remember many details. He said he drove to Moorhead but did not recall where he left the van.
Police found suspected methamphetamine in his sock and a syringe filled with clear liquid in his pocket. A glass pipe with suspected marijuana residue was also found. Officers located the van’s key in his pocket during booking.
The van, valued at $2,000, was entered into the National Crime Information Center database. Gunhammer has past drug-related convictions. He is set for arraignment on Monday afternoon.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.