FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – At approximately 10:26 a.m. on Friday, September 5, The Fargo Police Department (FPD) responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 700 block of 2nd Street North.
Derrick St. Claire, a 39-year-old resident of Dilworth, Minnesota, who was known to the occupants, entered the home and began causing damage. The residents requested that he be removed from the property. Officers were informed that St. Claire was armed with a hammer and a pocketknife, had barricaded himself inside the residence and indicated he would not cooperate with law enforcement.
Due to the extenuating circumstances, at approximately 12:34 p.m., the Red River Valley SWAT Team arrived on scene to assist the FPD with serving a search warrant to safely resolve the situation. St. Claire was located inside the home after a thorough search. He eventually complied with commands given by SWAT Team members and was detained at 2:40 p.m. The incident was resolved without any injuries to anyone involved.
During the search, the SWAT Team utilized multiple Flash Sound Diversionary Devices (FSDD) to create a loud bang and bright flash of light. FSDD are used to distract suspects, allowing officers to perform tasks that may put them in danger. The Red River Valley SWAT team also utilized Fargo Police K-9 Thor in the search.
St. Claire was arrested for an outstanding Federal Probation Violation warrant related to the sale of amphetamines and burglary with a weapon.