Cass County: Fargo Man Charged After Threats, Guns Found
CASS COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he made violent threats and was found with firearms in his apartment.
According to court records, Joshua Robert Smeby of Fargo has been charged with three felony counts of terrorizing following an incident on October 6. Police say Smeby called Red River Dispatch that day and appeared to be having a mental health crisis.
During the call, Smeby reportedly yelled and swore repeatedly at an officer while demanding to speak with social services to get his electricity turned back on. As the conversation continued, his anger escalated, and he allegedly began threatening to kill the officer and anyone he had spoken to in person.
When officers suggested contacting the utility company directly, Smeby allegedly became more aggressive, stating that he would shoot employees at Xcel Energy and the officers stationed at the courthouse metal detector checkpoint. Police said the threats were detailed enough to raise immediate concern that Smeby might act on them.
Officers set up a perimeter around his Fargo apartment and eventually obtained a warrant to search the residence. Smeby was persuaded to exit peacefully and was detained in the hallway. A search of his apartment revealed at least two firearms.
Smeby was arrested and booked into custody. He now faces three felony charges of terrorizing. The case remains under investigation, and a court date will be scheduled in Cass County District Court.
Authorities remind residents to report any threats of violence immediately. For more information about North Dakota criminal cases, visit the North Dakota Courts public search portal.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
