Becker County close to arrest in shooting

By David Olson

October 07, 2002 at 11:00 PM

The Becker County Sheriff's Department has identified a suspect in a weekend shooting that injured a rural Ponsford, Minn., man, a deputy said Monday.

The suspect has not been arrested or charged.

Jeremy G. Harper, 27, suffered a gunshot wound to his cheek in an incident that was reported about 3:30 a.m. Saturday, said Sgt. Bret Anderson.

Anderson said Harper's injury did not appear to be life-threatening.

Harper was first taken to a Park Rapids, Minn., hospital and later transferred to MeritCare Hospital in Fargo.

A hospital spokeswoman said Monday night that no information about Harper's condition could be released.

Anderson said investigators believe Harper may have been shot in retaliation for an altercation that occurred some time prior to the shooting.

Anderson said information from the investigation will be turned over to the Becker County Attorney's Office for consideration of charges.

Readers can reach Moorhead Bureau Chief Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555

By David Olson

I'm a reporter and a photographer and sometimes I create videos to go with my stories.

I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and in my time with The Forum I have covered a number of beats, from cops and courts to business and education.

I've also written about UFOs, ghosts, dinosaur bones and the planet Pluto.

You may reach me by phone at 701-241-5555, or by email at dolson@forumcomm.com.