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FARGO — A Fargo man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for shooting and injuring a woman at an apartment complex.
Cass County Judge John Irby handed down the sentence on Monday, Dec. 12, to Oliver Tye, who previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.
The sentencing came nearly two years after Tye shot and injured Ophelia Quiah at the Arbors apartment complex, 718 23rd St. S. On Jan. 24, 2021, Quiah, Jerome Wesseh Koon Jr. and his sister, Doris Koon, tried to break into an apartment where Tye lived at the complex, according to prosecutors.
Jerome Koon stuck the barrel of an AR-style rifle under Tye’s door, a Fargo police detective said.
The group of three went outside without getting into the apartment, according to court documents. Tye then jumped out his window and confronted the group, a criminal complaint said.
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The group and Tye exchanged insults, the complaint said. Jerome Koon, who was seen in video holding his rifle, turned to leave, according to police.
That’s when Tye fired the first shot, the detective said. Three bullets, all likely from his handgun, hit Quiah, according to police.
Jerome Koon also fired several rounds into the building, the complaint said.
The Koons helped Quiah into a vehicle, and Jerome Koon drove her to a hospital, according to court documents. He left the hospital and hid the rifle under a dumpster near where he was found, a detective alleged.
Jerome Koon was arrested shortly after the shooting. His sister was not charged.
Tye was arrested a month after the shooting.
An attempted murder charge against Tye was dismissed. He faces deportation after serving his sentence since he is not a U.S. citizen.
He has credit for the 659 days he has been in jail during court proceedings.
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A jury acquitted Jerome Koon on attempted murder and theft charges last year. He was found guilty of reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and terrorizing.
He is serving a seven-year sentence in prison for the shootout.
Quiah, who survived the shooting, pleaded guilty to possessing an opiate with intent to manufacture or deliver. Three other charges, including delivery of an opiate child neglect and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, were dismissed.
