Gardner, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) — A 34-year-old Gardner man is in custody after Cass County deputies responded to a report of a possible sexual assault early Tuesday morning. Authorities said the case involves a juvenile female and remains under active investigation.
Early Morning Call
According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home in Gardner just before 5 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31. The report said a juvenile female may have been sexually assaulted inside the residence.
Officials said the juvenile left the home shortly before deputies arrived. When law enforcement reached the scene, they began an investigation and secured the area around the house. Deputies then worked to prepare search warrants as the case developed.
Authorities said the scene remained contained for several hours while investigators gathered information. The sheriff’s office has not released many details because the case involves a juvenile.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
At about 7:30 a.m., authorities said Kaleb Chase, 34, came out of the home. Deputies then took him into custody without incident.
Chase was booked into the Cass County Jail. He is being held on a felony charge of gross sexual imposition. Court records and possible future hearings may provide more details as the case moves forward.
Victim Received Medical Care
The sheriff’s office said the juvenile received appropriate medical care after leaving the home. No further details about her condition were released.
Investigators also said they do not believe any other suspects were involved. At this time, the case appears to center on one suspect.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an accusation. The case must still go through the court process. Prosecutors will decide what formal charges move ahead.
Investigation Continues
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing. More information could be released later through court filings or official updates.
Gardner is a small community about 24 miles north of Fargo. The case has drawn attention because of the serious nature of the allegation and the age of the reported victim.
Anyone with information tied to the investigation should contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.