Shooting at Heritage Middle School Parking Lot Prompts District Response

West Fargo Public Schools superintendent details safety protocols and communication efforts after incident involving construction workers

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on asphalt, capturing the stark, gritty details and creating a sense of the investigative nature of the incident.A close examination of the evidence left behind after a shooting incident on school property raises concerns about safety and security measures.Fargo Today

A shooting incident occurred in the parking lot of Heritage Middle School in Horace, North Dakota, involving two construction workers employed by a subcontractor. No students or school employees were harmed. West Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Beth Slette issued a statement addressing the district's response, safety protocols, and communication efforts during the incident.

Why it matters

The shooting at a school property, even when students were not directly involved, raises concerns about safety and security measures in place at schools. The superintendent's statement aims to provide transparency and reassurance to the community about the district's preparedness and response to such incidents.

The details

According to the statement, the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute between two construction workers. The suspect, Garmonyou Wiles, a 40-year-old from Fargo, was arrested and charged with felony reckless endangerment, felony aggravated assault, and felony terrorizing. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries to a hand. The district worked closely with law enforcement, following the Incident Command process to ensure a coordinated and safe response.

  • The incident occurred on Monday in the parking lot of Heritage Middle School in Horace.
  • The superintendent's statement was issued the following day, on Tuesday.

The players

Beth Slette

Superintendent of West Fargo Public Schools.

Heather Leas

Director of Health, Safety, & Public Relations for West Fargo Public Schools.

Garmonyou Wiles

A 40-year-old from Fargo who was arrested for felony reckless endangerment, felony aggravated assault, and felony terrorizing in connection with the shooting incident.

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What they’re saying

“We want to take a moment to follow up on the incident that occurred yesterday in the parking lot of Heritage Middle School. We recognize that events like this are concerning, even for families not directly connected to the schools involved, and we want to provide additional context, reflection, and reassurance now that our teams have had a chance to debrief.”

— Beth Slette, Superintendent of West Fargo Public Schools

What’s next

The district will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as they investigate the criminal matter. The district also plans to conduct its next scheduled full-scale emergency response exercise the following day, which will serve as a timely reminder of the importance of preparedness.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of clear communication, strong safety protocols, and trusted partnerships between schools, law enforcement, and the community in responding to and learning from such events. The district's proactive approach to emergency preparedness and its transparency in addressing the community's concerns are crucial in maintaining trust and ensuring the safety of students and staff.