MOORHEAD — A newly opened nightclub that is already facing multiple noise complaints was the scene of gunfire early Saturday, March 11.
The Moorhead Police Department responded to an active assailant call at 1:51 a.m. Saturday in the 1500 Block of 11th Street North, which is where the Classic Touch Lounge is located, according to dispatch logs from the Red River Regional Dispatch Center.
At its Monday night meeting, the Moorhead City Council planned to discuss the noise disturbances at the nightclub and will consider a conditional use permit for the business.
Witnesses on the east side of the street reported that a vehicle exited a lot on the west side and fired several shots in the air before traveling north on 11th Street North, according to the Moorhead Police Department.
Officers identified the suspect vehicle as a gray Nissan Altima with a North Dakota license plate, which traveled into the Oakport Township area and became stuck on 52nd Avenue North. Three people walked away from the vehicle and were picked up by a white car, police said.
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Police did not locate any bullet holes or any people who were injured. Over twenty 9 mm bullet casings were found on the road, according to police.
Police are looking for the shooter or shooters and are asking the public for any information related to the incident, Capt. Deric Swenson said.
Anyone who witnessed someone walking or being picked up along 52nd Avenue North from 1:50 a.m. to 3 a.m Saturday is asked to call the Red River Dispatch Center at 701-451-7660 and ask for the on-duty Moorhead police supervisor. Police are also seeking surveillance video that could help their investigation.
The Classic Touch Lounge opened in mid-February in the southern portion of a building it shares with Brothers' Table, a catering and event business.
During opening weekend, the city received three noise complaints, as well as a complaint about nightclub patrons parking at the nearby convenience store. An additional crash complaint, a suspected driving while intoxicated case, was also received.
As a result, the Moorhead Planning Commission on March 6 unanimously recommended the city grant a conditional use permit pertaining to noise levels for the nightclub.
The 4,400-square-foot nightclub is in a building that has housed a bar or tavern since the 1930s, before it was part of Moorhead. The building was most recently home to Jerry's Bar, which closed about five years ago. As Moorhead grew, the area surrounding the property became residential on the south and east sides.
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