FARGO, North Dakota -- A Fargo police officer was fatally shot and two others were wounded in a shooting Friday afternoon that also left the suspect dead.
Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin was killed in the incident that occurred near 9th Avenue South and 25th Street South, according to a news release.
The 23-year-old graduated from the Fargo Police Academy in April and was in field training at the time of his death.
Field Training Officer Andrew Dotas and Officer Tyler Hawes, Wallin's classmate in the academy, sustained gunshot wounds in the incident and are currently in critical but stable condition with serious injuries at a local healthcare facility.
Officer Zachary Robinson, a seven-year member of the Fargo Police Department, stopped the threat by shooting and killing the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Mohamad Barakat. Robinson was serving as Wallin’s Training Officer at the time of the incident. Robinson has been placed on paid administrative leave while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NDBCI) conducts an investigation into the use of force.
A 25-year-old female Fargo resident was also shot during the critical incident. She was transported from the scene to a local healthcare facility with serious injuries.
“The events of the last 24 hours have been among the most difficult in our department’s nearly 150-year history. This was a heinous and unthinkable act of aggression against our officers and the entire metro community. As we all try to comprehend what has transpired and mourn the impact on our team and the entire community, we are bracing for extremely difficult days ahead. We know that we are joined by our metro community in this process and that brings comfort to all of us," Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski said in a statement. "Our hearts are heavy, but I can assure you that we never take your support for granted; we can profoundly feel the fabric of this community in your actions, words of encouragement and acts of kindness. Together, we are and will remain the guardians of our Fargo community.”
