Early-morning crash led to quick theft, investigators say
FARGO — Two teenagers were taken into custody after a brazen early-morning burglary at The Outdoorsman on the 4100 block of 13th Avenue South, where authorities say thieves stole 16 firearms and caused up to $60,000 in damage.
Police say the incident began about 4 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, when a vehicle was driven into the storefront doors. Investigators reported that suspects broke a display case, grabbed several guns and were inside the store for roughly a minute before fleeing. Video from a nearby business shows a second vehicle arriving to pick up at least one suspect.
Evidence and tracking led to arrests the next day
Law enforcement found multiple items of evidence at the scene, including a cell phone left on a display case, blood on broken glass and DNA tied to the stolen vehicle. Authorities also say the car used in the burglary had been stolen locally and was forcibly disassembled.
Officers used FLOCK license plate reader cameras to track the stolen vehicle. The following day around 1 p.m., police stopped a vehicle on the 2100 block of University Drive South and arrested a 14-year-old boy after finding four stolen handguns in his backpack. With a search warrant executed at two residences, investigators recovered four additional stolen handguns and arrested a 15-year-old boy.
Police say they are still searching for additional stolen firearms and any other people who may have been involved.
What police are asking the public to do
Investigators continue to seek tips from the community. Anyone with information on the burglary or the whereabouts of the remaining stolen weapons is asked to contact the Fargo Police Department at 701-451-7660. Residents may also send anonymous tips by texting the keyword FARGOPD followed by the tip to 847411.
- Incident: Forced entry via vehicle into storefront, 4100 block of 13th Ave. S.
- Time: About 4 a.m., July 10; arrests made the following day around 1 p.m.
- Stolen: 16 firearms; 8 recovered so far
- Damage: Estimated up to $60,000
- Persons arrested: two juveniles, ages 14 and 15
| Item | Count |
|---|---|
| Firearms reported stolen | 16 |
| Recovered at stop/search | 8 |
| Estimated property damage | $60,000 |
The burglary has raised questions about retail security and the illicit market for stolen firearms in the Fargo area. Police have not released additional details about the make or model of the recovered handguns or whether any charges have been formally filed in juvenile court. Investigators encourage anyone with video, social media posts, or other information related to the July 10 incident to come forward.
For neighborhoods near 13th Avenue South, the episode is a reminder of persistent safety concerns for small businesses and the importance of timely tips to law enforcement. The Fargo Police Department continues to follow leads in the case and asks the public to report suspicious activity promptly.
