Fargo Officer Arrested for DUI, Internal Investigation Underway
Fargo Police have launched an internal investigation after one of their officers was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence early Monday morning.
Authorities responded to a crash involving multiple vehicles in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 1100 block of 42nd St. S. at approximately 2:10 a.m. on December 30.
The crash reportedly involved a single vehicle, which struck three unoccupied cars and a dumpster. No injuries were reported.
On arrival, Fargo officers identified the suspect as off-duty Fargo Police Officer Brandon Rittenour. Following department policy, the responding officers notified an on-duty sergeant, who requested the Cass County Sheriff’s Office to take over the investigation.
The sheriff’s office conducted an investigation and arrested Rittenour at 3:36 a.m. He was charged with two Class B misdemeanors: DUI Actual Physical Control and DUI Refusal. Additionally, he was cited for failure to provide valid proof of insurance and issued a warning for care required. Due to jail capacity constraints, Rittenour was released after signing a promise to appear in Cass County District Court.
Rittenour, 33, has been with the Fargo Police Department since January 2024 and is assigned to the Neighborhood Services Division. He has been placed on paid administrative leave while the department conducts an internal investigation.
In a statement, Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski emphasized the department's commitment to transparency and accountability. “Officer Rittenour will be afforded the same rights as all citizens as his case is adjudicated in a court of law. 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.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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