South Fargo neighborhood on alert after two crimes happen within three days

FARGO — Jason Lattergrass has lived at the Condemera Apartments, 1001 42nd St. S, for the past two years.

He said things have been "mostly routine" until a fatal car crash happened in the early morning on Friday, Sept. 11.

"We were getting ready to go to sleep, and all I heard was an immediate crunch of metal, and it's a pretty recognizable sound, especially that late at night," Lattergrass said.

The crash happened only two days after police were called to what they believe was a targeted robbery in the same area of apartments.

Donley McIntosh, who lives in the Kennedy Apartments across the street from Lattergrass, was present when the robbery happened.

"My girl was taking the kid outside, (and) letting the dog use the bathroom," he said. "She just ran back upstairs, I'm like, 'What's going on,' and she's like 'There's people in bushes with guns and all that good stuff'."

McIntosh said seeing both things happening back to back has been tough on him and his family.

"Over the last couple of weeks, there's just been a lot more traffic (around the apartments), so that's got me a little worried because I've got five kids running around."

McIntosh also highlighted the corner leading up to the apartments has been a concern for blind turns, so he's had a talk with his kids about where they can go in the neighborhood.

In Lattergrass' case, he's seen a number of sideswipes and other crashes on this block. He believes some of these crashes were caused by drunk drivers.

"There are several day drinkers, and every once in awhile, I'll have a day drink, but that doesn't mean I'm going to hop behind the wheel of a car and start driving around," Lattergrass said.

While the crime concern in the neighborhood is gone for now, most neighbors are praying for peace and quiet after two loud nights.

"It's not terrible, but I just hope things get back on the up-and-up," McIntosh said.

Fargo Police spokeswoman Jessica Schindeldecker said despite the back-to-back incidents happening in this neighborhood, the department has no plans to step up patrols in the area.