Police News Releases
SWAT Response in South Moorhead
At about 9:02 AM, Moorhead Officers were sent to 1423 5 St S upon the report of a domestic disturbance. The victim fled the residence to a neighbor’s house and called 911 reporting she had been physically assaulted, held against her will while her life was threatened adding he had possession of a firearm. Officers quickly set-up a perimeter and the on-scene supervisor was able to make contact with him by telephone but he denied being at the house or having done anything wrong. Concordia College and Eventide Senior Living were notified of the situation due to their proximity to the scene, a neighborhood CodeRED was sent out along with media and social media notifications advising residents to shelter in place and/or avoid the area of town from 14 Ave S to 16 Ave S from 4 St S to 6 St S. Roads in this area were closed to traffic.
SWAT was called and negotiators made intermittent contact with the suspect throughout the day but he continued to say he was not home. The situation ended around 5:40 PM after tear gas was deployed into the house and he surrendered peacefully. There were no injuries in this situation. Media, social media, and a follow-up CodeRED were sent advising that the situation was over and residents could return home and vehicular traffic was returned to normal.
Arrested was: Blake Carl Fitzgerald (35 years of age)
1423 5 St S
Moorhead, MN 56560
Charges are being sorted out as the investigation continues but include domestic assault and threats related charges and he also had a felony warrant out of Oneida, WI. The identification of the victim is not being released at this time.
Officers from Moorhead, Clay County and the State Patrol assisted in this incident. The Red River Valley SWAT Team is comprised of officers from Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Cass County, Clay County, and NDSU Police and include Negotiator, Bomb, and Medic Units. We are thankful this ended with no injuries and for the public support and patience.