Anne Cleary Commissioner | City of Bismarck
Anne Cleary Commissioner | City of Bismarck
An 11-year veteran officer of the Bismarck Police Department has been released from the hospital after being intentionally struck by an SUV. The incident occurred when Central Dakota Communications received a report around 12:07 pm about a woman in a white SUV appearing intoxicated or high.
Two officers, one with 11 years and another with six years of service, responded to the scene at a parking lot on S 12th St at approximately 12:14 pm. The senior officer engaged with the woman while the junior officer spoke to witnesses.
Body-Worn Camera footage revealed that during these interactions, the woman attempted to drive away despite orders to stop. She swerved towards the senior officer, nearly hitting him, before backing up as if to flee. Instead of leaving, she drove towards the officers again, striking the senior officer and sending him over a snowbank.
In response, officers fired at the vehicle to protect both their colleague and nearby bystanders. The 53-year-old driver was injured and later pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital along with the injured officer.
The senior officer was able to leave the hospital without significant injury. Both involved officers have been placed on administrative leave as per protocol while an investigation is conducted by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The Bismarck Police Department expressed gratitude for community support and assured they will provide updates as new information becomes available.