A Jamestown police officer was justified in using deadly force during a December 3rd incident that resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man, according to Stutsman County State's Attorney Fritz Fremgen. The decision follows an investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
The BCI's findings were reviewed by Fremgen, who determined that no charges would be filed against Sgt. Cory Beckman, the officer involved. Beckman, a five-year veteran of the Jamestown Police Department, responded to a call of an armed man firing a weapon in a parking lot behind Fred’s Den, resulting in the fatal shooting of Devin Quinn Fontenot.
According to reports, Fontenot was actively firing rounds in the parking lot when officers arrived on the scene. Despite repeated commands to drop his weapon, Fontenot refused to comply, which officials say posed a direct threat to both the officer and bystanders.
State’s Attorney Fremgen concluded that Beckman's actions were objectively reasonable, emphasizing the immediate danger posed by Fontenot. Fremgen’s memo detailed that Fontenot's actions, including firing a weapon in a public area, actively resisting arrest, and yelling at the officer to drop his weapon, presented a severe and immediate threat.
Furthermore, body camera footage and witness accounts supported the finding that Fontenot was armed with a rifle, firing rounds and attempting to aim the weapon at an individual. The report indicates that prior to being shot, Fontenot aimed a rifle in the direction of Officer Beckman.
While remaining on paid administrative leave, Beckman is a member of the James Valley Special Operations Team, a K-9 handler, and a peer support team member. The BCI investigation and Fremgen’s review officially closes this case, determining that the officer acted within the confines of the law.
