Finley Man Accused of Gunfire, Threats to Deputy
Finley (trfnews.i234.me) — A Steele County man faces several charges after reported gunfire in a Finley neighborhood.
Jesse Lee Pierce is accused of firing shots and making threats against a law enforcement officer.
Court records say deputies responded September 12 to reports of gunfire on 2nd Street West.
Witnesses identified Pierce as the person allegedly firing the shots.
The charges are allegations. Pierce is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Deputy Finds Pierce in Yard
A deputy reported finding Pierce hiding in a yard after arriving in the neighborhood.
The deputy then attempted to place Pierce under arrest, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Court documents say Pierce resisted the arrest.
He allegedly struck his own head against a patrol vehicle during the struggle.
He also allegedly tried to head-butt the deputy.
The affidavit says Pierce continued trying to hurt himself until additional help arrived.
Threats Allegedly Made During Arrest
The filing says Pierce told law enforcement he wanted to die.
He then allegedly threatened the deputy and the deputy’s family.
Pierce allegedly said he would go to the deputy’s home after leaving jail.
The affidavit says he also threatened other people at the scene.
Pierce allegedly claimed he had connections to a Mexican drug cartel.
He allegedly said the cartel would carry out the threats if he did not.
Security Video Records Four Shots
Investigators found one shell casing in Pierce’s yard, according to the court filing.
However, home security video reportedly captured the sound of four gunshots.
The filing also describes an encounter at a nearby home after the reported shooting.
Pierce allegedly approached a neighbor’s door while carrying a gun.
He knocked on the door and said he needed help, according to investigators.
Several people were inside the home at the time, including children.
Pierce Taken to Fargo Hospital
Pierce was transported by ambulance to a Fargo hospital following the incident.
The affidavit says his blood alcohol concentration tested at 0.123.
A drug screening was negative, according to court records.
After receiving medical care, Pierce was booked into the Cass County Jail.
Documents list charges of discharging a firearm within city limits and resisting arrest.
He also faces hindering law enforcement and two counts of terrorizing.
Court documents indicate additional terrorizing charges could also be filed.
Readers can search public court information through the North Dakota Court System.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.
