JAMESTOWN, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — On December 3, 2024, in Jamestown, North Dakota, a police officer fatally shot a man outside Fred’s Den bar. Stutsman County State’s Attorney Fritz Fremgen reviewed the incident and determined that the use of deadly force was justified, opting not to file charges against the officer involved, Sgt. Cory Beckman.
Incident Overview
At approximately 1:17 a.m., Jamestown Police Department received reports of a male individual, later identified as 27-year-old Devin Quinn Fontenot, armed with a gun and a knife in the parking lot behind Fred’s Den, located at 113 First Ave. S. Prior to police arrival, Fontenot had been involved in a physical altercation inside the bar and was subsequently removed. Witnesses reported that Fontenot began firing multiple rounds at the building.
Officer’s Response
Sgt. Cory Beckman, a five-year veteran of the Jamestown Police Department, was the first officer to arrive on the scene. Upon arrival, he observed Fontenot actively discharging a firearm in the parking lot. Beckman issued multiple commands for Fontenot to drop his weapon, which were ignored. Fontenot’s refusal to comply and continued discharge of the firearm posed an immediate threat to the safety of the officer and nearby civilians. In response, Sgt. Beckman discharged his service weapon, striking Fontenot. Officers administered first aid, and Fontenot was transported to Jamestown Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigation and Findings
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) conducted a thorough investigation into the shooting. Their findings were submitted to State’s Attorney Fritz Fremgen for review. After evaluating the evidence, including body camera footage and witness statements, Fremgen concluded that Sgt. Beckman’s use of deadly force was “objectively reasonable” under the circumstances. Fremgen stated that Fontenot’s actions constituted a severe crime that posed an immediate threat to the safety of the officer and others present. Consequently, no charges will be filed against Sgt. Beckman.
Officer’s Status
Following standard protocol, Sgt. Beckman was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. He is a member of the James Valley Special Operations Team, a K-9 handler, and a participant in the Jamestown Police Department’s peer support team. As of the latest reports, he remains on administrative leave.
Conclusion
The incident has been officially closed with the determination that the use of deadly force by Sgt. Beckman was justified. The Jamestown Police Department has not released further details pending internal policy investigations and administrative reviews.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me