On Monday, November 25, 2024, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of 32 Avenue South for a report of a handgun that was just stolen from a residence. The 25-year-old victim told officers that a 17-year-old male was over to his apartment, and when he left, the suspect took an unsecured handgun that was in his bedroom. The gun owner immediately called police to report the incident.
Police attempted to locate the suspect at his residence and notified the Moorhead Area Public Schools of the situation. A short time later, the Moorhead Area Public Schools notified police that the suspect was seen in the Career Academy building. Officers located the suspect and took him into custody without incident. The handgun, which was in a bag he was carrying, was not displayed, and no known threats of violence were made. The intent of the situation is still being investigated.
The 17-year-old male suspect is being held at the Clay County Regional Detention Center, and a long-form complaint for felony charges on the theft, possession, and bringing the handgun into a school will be sent to the Clay County Attorney's Office. The unsecured gun left in the residence will also be reviewed for possible charges.
Captain Deric Swenson, 218.299.5186
