FARGO, N.D. (KFGO-AM) — The first police officer to be killed in the line of duty in more than 50 years in one North Dakota city was shot multiple times by a man with an extensive criminal history.
Police Officer Cody Holte died at a hospital after coming to the aid of two deputies trying to serve eviction papers.
The suspect, Salamah Pendleton, reportedly fired more than 40 rounds from an AK-47 at responding officers. He was shot several times and remains hospitalized. A woman, 61-year-old Lola Moore, was also killed by gunfire but police haven’t released details about her death.
One of the sheriff’s deputies was shot in the leg and abdomen and is in stable condition.
Officer Holte was a member of the North Dakota National Guard and had served with the Grand Forks Police Department for three years, assigned to the Uniform Patrol Bureau. Officer Holte was also a member of the Grand Forks Police Department’s Honor Guard and was a member of the Northeast Regional Water Rescue Team.
He is survived by his wife, 10-month-old son, and twin brother. His brother also serves as a police officer in North Dakota. Holte’s family issued a statement calling him “an incredible husband, father, son, brother, uncle, police officer and soldier.”
Prosecutors have charged Salamah Pendleton with two counts of murder in the deaths of Holte and Lola Moore.
