Homeless man arrested for stealing vehicle in West Fargo

Police apprehended the suspect after tracking the stolen car using a license plate reader system.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 26-year-old homeless man named Andrew LaFountaine was arrested in West Fargo, North Dakota on Monday night after allegedly stealing a vehicle that was left running with the keys in the ignition. Police were able to locate the stolen car using a license plate reader system and apprehend the suspect after a short pursuit.

Why it matters

Vehicle theft is an ongoing issue in many communities, often involving vulnerable populations like the homeless. This incident highlights the potential role of new technologies like license plate readers in helping law enforcement quickly locate and recover stolen vehicles.

The details

According to police, a 911 caller reported the vehicle stolen around 10:15 PM on Monday from the 3300 block of Sheyenne Street in West Fargo. Around 20 minutes later, officers received an alert from the Flock Safety Camera System that the stolen vehicle had been spotted near 7th Avenue and 17th Street East. Officers were able to locate and pin in the vehicle in a cul-de-sac near the 700 block of 50th Street South, where they arrested Andrew LaFountaine on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, DUI, DUI refusal, driving under suspension, and multiple probation violations.

  • The vehicle was reported stolen around 10:15 PM on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Police received an alert about the stolen vehicle's location around 20 minutes later.

The players

Andrew LaFountaine

A 26-year-old homeless man who was arrested for allegedly stealing the vehicle.

Flock Safety Camera System

A license plate reader system that alerted police to the location of the stolen vehicle.

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The takeaway

This incident demonstrates how new technologies like license plate readers can aid law enforcement in quickly locating and recovering stolen vehicles, even when the perpetrator is part of a vulnerable population like the homeless. However, it also raises questions about privacy concerns and the appropriate use of such surveillance systems.