FARGO, ND – A Fargo man is headed to federal prison after a brazen act of violence against local law enforcement. Shawn Larkin, 40, was sentenced to 57 months followed by 3 years of supervised release after pointing a loaded handgun at Fargo Police officers during a routine traffic stop in September 2020. The incident escalated from a suspended license check to a dangerous confrontation, highlighting the risks officers face daily.
According to court documents, officers pulled Larkin’s vehicle over in the early morning hours of September 9th. When officers attempted to take him into custody after discovering his license was suspended, Larkin became combative. While on the ground struggling with officers, he drew a loaded handgun from his waistband and directed it towards the officers. They were able to quickly subdue him and secure the weapon.
The search of Larkin and his vehicle yielded more than just the handgun. Officers recovered two loaded magazines, as well as multiple drugs and associated paraphernalia. But the firearm itself was the most damning evidence, given Larkin’s extensive criminal history. He was already a prohibited person, barred from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
Those convictions include a 2001 theft in Wisconsin, a 2012 simple assault on a peace officer in Ward County, North Dakota, and, shockingly, a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm – already prosecuted in the District of North Dakota in 2013. This wasn’t Larkin’s first rodeo, and the court clearly took his repeated offenses into account.
U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider made a statement following the sentencing, stating, “Felons with guns are a threat to our law enforcement partners and the safety of our communities.” He affirmed the U.S. Attorney’s office’s commitment to removing dangerous individuals from the streets. The 57-month sentence sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Fargo Police Department, and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander J. Stock handled the prosecution. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement and the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable for their actions. Larkin’s 57-month sentence is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of the Fargo community.
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