FARGO — The Fargo Police Department has been active recently with several notable arrests, including the apprehension of individuals involved in serious criminal activities. Among them is Audrey Berg, who was arrested for her involvement in a hit-and-run incident on New Year’s Day.
The events surrounding Berg's arrest unfolded early on January 1, when police responded to reports of a vehicle-pedestrian collision at the intersection of Broadway and Second Avenue North at approximately 2 a.m. Witness accounts noted the driver had fled the scene northbound on Broadway after hitting a female pedestrian who was crossing the street.
According to Sgt. Travis Berger of the Fargo Police Department, investigators determined through surveillance camera footage and the city’s FLOCK system— which uses technology to read license plates—that the pedestrian had been hit in the crosswalk but against the traffic light. Despite her serious but non-life-threatening injuries, the woman was transported to the hospital for treatment.
After tracking down the registering owner of the vehicle involved, police arrested 22-year-old Audrey Berg on January 3. She has been charged with failing to remain at the scene of the accident where serious injuries occurred and is currently held at the Cass County Jail. The investigation continues, and officers have not released any additional details about the incident as of now.
Meanwhile, another incident on December 29 led to the arrest of three individuals during police efforts to apprehend fugitive Jeremiah McDonald. This event demonstrates the proactive measures taken by local law enforcement to maintain public safety.
The search for McDonald began nearby at approximately 12:37 a.m. when police attempted to locate him in the 2500 block of 9th Street North. Officers discovered a white Jeep Patriot reported stolen from Moorhead, Minnesota, occupied by two individuals, 30-year-old Blade Kenyon and 22-year-old Mackenzie Higdem. Upon noticing the police, the Jeep fled the scene at a high rate of speed, prompting officers to initiate a short chase, which was later called off due to reckless driving.
While this was occurring, another officer spoke with the victim of a separate vehicle theft, who mentioned having contact with McDonald prior to their vehicle being stolen. This information proved pivotal as it allowed police to locate and arrest McDonald without incident near 21st Avenue and 15th Street South. At the time of his arrest, McDonald was found to have several active warrants, including serious charges such as robbery, third-degree assault, gross misdemeanor theft, and numerous drug-related offenses.
Shortly after McDonald’s apprehension, officers received intelligence from the public alerting them to the stolen vehicle's whereabouts. It was reported to be parked in a garage on the 3500 block of 42nd Street South with Kenyon and Higdem inside. Officers approached the location, and upon their arrival, Kenyon surrendered. Higdem, on the other hand, tried to escape on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Kenyon now faces charges for possession of a stolen vehicle and fleeing police, alongside multiple outstanding warrants from Cass County. Higdem has been charged with refusal to halt. The arrests around McDonald’s case reflect on-going efforts by the Fargo Police Department to crack down on crime and apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants.
The recent surge of arrests showcases the proactive measures from local law enforcement agencies to protect the community and address public safety concerns. Both incidents, ranging from serious vehicular assault to the arrest of fugitives, underline the challenges faced and the continual efforts of the Fargo Police Department.