West Fargo Officer Arrested for DUI, Put on Paid Leave

West Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A West Fargo police officer has been placed on paid leave following a DUI arrest.

Walker Lee Koropatnicki was arrested early Saturday, September 5, after a traffic stop in Fargo.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol conducted the stop and arrested Koropatnicki for driving under the influence.

The West Fargo Police Department has since opened an internal investigation into the incident.

Highway Patrol Makes DUI Arrest

The traffic stop occurred during the early morning hours of September 5.

Highway Patrol officials said Koropatnicki was driving on 13th Avenue South in Fargo.

He was allegedly traveling 50 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Authorities also said his vehicle was not staying within its lane.

Koropatnicki was taken into custody without incident.

No other vehicles or people were involved in the incident, according to police.

A later Highway Patrol update reported Koropatnicki’s blood alcohol level at 0.10.

North Dakota’s legal limit for most adult drivers is 0.08.

More information about state DUI law is available through the North Dakota Legislative Branch.

The West Fargo Police Department announced the internal investigation on September 6.

Koropatnicki will remain on paid administrative leave while the department reviews the case.

The department’s police chief will oversee the investigation and any additional internal proceedings.

Police said Koropatnicki began working for the West Fargo Police Department in 2024.

The department did not announce a timeline for completing its internal review.

It also said no further information would be released at that time.

The department’s original statement can be viewed on the West Fargo Police Department website.

The internal investigation is separate from any criminal court proceedings related to the arrest.

An arrest does not establish guilt, and Koropatnicki is presumed innocent unless convicted.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol handled the traffic stop and arrest.

North Dakota law prohibits operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Additional details about the case may become available through court records or future agency releases.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.