Police News Releases

On April 22, 2020, at approximately noon, the Moorhead Police Department, and members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the 1300 block of 19 ½ St S for a witnessed shooting. Upon the arrival of officers, the victim and suspect had fled the scene. The victim was later identified and was found to be uninjured, and evidence of the shooting was collected.

Through the investigation, Steven Latee Ward, age 43, was charged with the following crimes:
          2nd Degree Attempted Murder
          2nd Degree Assault
          Felon in Possession of a Firearm
          Felony Drive-by Shooting
          Reckless Discharge of a Firearm

It was learned through the investigation that the victim and suspect knew each other, and this was not a random act of violence.  Ward was taken into custody in Melrose, MN, without incident and is currently being held in the Stearns County, MN Jail. It is not expected that any further persons will be changed in this incident.

The Moorhead Police Department wants to thank the community for the excellent response in providing information, to include home security video.

The Moorhead Police Department was assisted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the US Marshals Service High Plains Fugitive Task Force, and the ND Department of Corrections.

Steven Ward

Capt. Deric Swenson, 218.299.5186