Bismarck, ND – An 11-year veteran of the Bismarck Police Department was able to walk out of the hospital today after being intentionally struck by an SUV driven by a 53-year-old Bismarck woman. The incident occurred earlier today, following a call reporting a woman acting intoxicated or high.
Central Dakota Communications received the call around 12:07 p.m., which led two Bismarck Police officers – one an 11-year veteran and the other a 6-year veteran – to arrive at the parking lot in the 1100 block of S 12th St by 12:14 p.m. The officers approached the woman in a white SUV, with the 11-year veteran speaking to her at the car while the 6-year veteran spoke to witnesses.
According to body-worn camera footage, the woman attempted to leave the scene during the interviews and was ordered to stop. Instead of stopping, she swerved at the 11-year veteran officer, nearly striking him. She then backed up, seemingly attempting to flee the parking lot. However, she remained in the lot, swerving at the officers and eventually striking the 11-year veteran. The impact threw him over a snowbank.
In response, both officers fired at the vehicle to protect the veteran officer and bystanders nearby. After securing the scene, both the officer and the 53-year-old woman were treated for injuries and transported to a local hospital by Metro Ambulance Services. The 53-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Fortunately, the 11-year veteran officer was able to walk out of the hospital without significant injury. The officers have been placed on administrative leave while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducts an investigation into the incident.
The Bismarck Police Department has expressed gratitude for the support from the Bismarck community and has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available. Due to ongoing next of kin notifications, the identity of the 53-year-old woman is not yet being released.
