Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — Police say a three-hour standoff in north Fargo ended with the arrest of a 38-year-old man on Tuesday afternoon.
Officers went to the 1300 block of 9th Street North at 12:37 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2. They were checking a report of a possible violation of a domestic violence protection order.
Police say they developed probable cause to arrest 38-year-old Ben Himle. Officers tried to contact Himle inside his home. However, they say he refused to come out or follow commands.
Negotiators spoke with Himle for an extended period. Police say he would not surrender, and his behavior got worse. They say he also made threats that raised safety concerns for everyone in the area.
Because of those concerns, officers called in the Red River Valley SWAT team. The team arrived at about 3:57 p.m. to serve a search warrant and make the arrest.
Before the team went inside, police say Himle gave up and walked out of the residence on his own. Officers took him into custody without further incident.
Police say Himle was booked into the Cass County Jail. He faces counts for violating a domestic violence protection order and preventing arrest. Jail and inmate information for Cass County is listed on the county corrections site at casscountynd.gov.
Officers say there is no ongoing threat to the public. Roads near the scene reopened after the arrest, and police cleared the area.
Domestic violence protection orders are civil court orders that can limit or block contact between people. The North Dakota Supreme Court’s website offers forms and guidance for protection orders at ndcourts.gov. The Fargo Police Department also lists victim services, order types, and safety tips at fargond.gov.
Anyone facing domestic violence can contact local shelters or the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline is available at thehotline.org and by phone at 1-800-799-7233.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.