West Fargo man arrested after chase ends at middle school

Police say the suspect fled at low speed toward the school, where a juvenile passenger exited the vehicle.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window or side mirror, capturing the dramatic texture and material details under harsh, direct lighting to conceptually illustrate the aftermath of a police pursuit.A high-speed chase that ended near a local middle school raises concerns about public safety and the need for effective law enforcement response in sensitive areas.West Fargo Today

A 43-year-old West Fargo man was arrested this morning after leading police on a brief chase that ended outside a local middle school. The suspect, Lee Henry Smith, initially refused to stop his vehicle when police attempted a traffic stop, instead driving toward Cheney Middle School at a low rate of speed. A juvenile passenger exited the vehicle in the drop-off lane, and the driver then exited and began to aggressively engage with officers before being quickly apprehended.

Why it matters

While no students were directly involved, the incident raises concerns about public safety and the potential risks posed by high-speed chases near schools, where children could be present. The arrest also highlights the need for effective law enforcement response and communication with the community when such events occur.

The details

According to the West Fargo Police Department, officers attempted to pull over Lee Henry Smith's vehicle at the intersection of 9th Street East and 13th Avenue East this morning around 8:45 a.m. Smith refused to stop, instead fleeing toward nearby Cheney Middle School. A juvenile passenger exited the vehicle in the school's drop-off lane, and Smith also exited the car and began to aggressively engage with the pursuing officers. Smith was quickly arrested and charged with misdemeanors of fleeing and preventing arrest.

  • The incident occurred this morning around 8:45 a.m.

The players

Lee Henry Smith

A 43-year-old West Fargo resident who was arrested for fleeing from police and aggressively engaging with officers.

West Fargo Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that pursued and apprehended the suspect.

Cheney Middle School

The West Fargo middle school where the chase ended and the juvenile passenger exited the vehicle.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement and local schools to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the broader community, even in the face of unpredictable situations.