FARGO (KFGO) – After lengthy discussion, the Fargo Police Advisory and Oversight Board decided it would not recommend the city conduct an independent investigation of the police shooting that killed Shane Netterville.
The 28-year old Native American was shot as he drove out of a garage in a van after refusing orders to get out of the vehicle.
Last month, board member David Hogenson had recommended an outside investigation saying there are some who don’t believe the police department’s earlier investigation.
“They make the point that, had Shane wanted to harm the officer, he had the chance and he didn’t,” Hogenson said. “So, what do you say to people who say the body-cam footage doesn’t jive with your report?”
Police Chief Dave Zibolski said most citizens are not qualified to understand this type of incident.
“The evidence is clear from both the citizen witnesses and the officers involved, the investigation and the review by the attorney general that Officer (Adam) O’Brien was in a situation in which he was in jeopardy of death or great bodily harm and that deadly force was authorized to protect himself,” Zibolski said.
While the police advisory board dropped the request for an outside investigation, members agreed to focus on police policy changes and more education, including a town hall scheduled for late January about police training and the department’s relationship with the community.
