(FARGO, ND) – A Fargo Police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave following an early morning incident in the 1100 block of 42nd Street South.
After receiving a call regarding a vehicle crash involving multiple vehicles at 2:10 a.m., Fargo Police Officers responded to the 1100 block of 42nd Street South. It was reported that a single-occupant vehicle made contact with three other unoccupied vehicles and a dumpster within an apartment complex parking lot. There were no injuries as a result in the incident.
Once on scene, FPD personnel became aware that off-duty FPD Officer Brandon Rittenour was the suspect in the incident. According to policy, the responding officers notified the on-duty sergeant who requested the assistance of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Once on scene, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation and consequently arrested Rittenour at 3:36 a.m.
He was arrested for two Class B Misdemeanors — DUI Actual Physical Control and DUI Refusal. In addition, he was cited for failure to provide valid proof of insurance and received a warning for care required. Due to jail capacity issues, Rittenour was released after signing a promise to appear in Cass County District Court.
“Officer Rittenour will be afforded the same rights as all citizens as his case is adjudicated in a court of law,” Chief David Zibolski said. “Collectively, however, The Fargo Police Department holds its personnel to a higher standard as public servants and embraces the need to be transparent with our community, which therefore necessitates an immediate internal investigation into potential policy violations. I want to express our appreciation to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance and professionalism throughout the investigation of this incident.”
Rittenour has been an officer with the department since January of this year.
