West Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A West Fargo man was arrested Tuesday morning outside Cheney Middle School. Police said he refused a traffic stop and resisted arrest.
What Happened
The West Fargo Police Department said the incident began at about 8:45 a.m. Tuesday. Officers tried to stop a vehicle near Ninth Street East and 13th Avenue East.
Police said the driver did not pull over. Instead, the vehicle continued at a low speed. Authorities said the vehicle then moved toward Cheney Middle School, located at 825 17th Ave. E.
At the school, a child passenger got out in the drop-off lane, according to police. Officers said the driver then got out of the vehicle. Police said he immediately began to act aggressively toward officers.
Authorities identified the driver as Lee Henry Smith, 43, of West Fargo. Police said officers quickly took Smith into custody. The department said the situation ended before it grew worse.
Charges and Response
Smith was arrested for misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer. He was also arrested for misdemeanor preventing arrest. Police said Sanford Ambulance cleared him at the scene.
After that, police took Smith to the Cass County Jail. Cass County says the jail is in Fargo. The county lists the jail at 450 34th St. S.
School Operations Not Affected
Police said the case was not related to West Fargo Public Schools staff or school operations. No threat to school operations was reported. The incident happened during the morning arrival period near the school.
The police statement said officers handled the arrest at the scene. Sanford Ambulance also assisted during the response. Sanford says its ambulance service covers eastern North Dakota and nearby areas.
Official Links
Readers can review the official police statement for the full case summary. Families can also visit Cheney Middle School online for school information. Jail details are available through Cass County Corrections.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.