Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by officers during a police interaction in south Fargo on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

The victim has been named as 65-year-old Peter Greco, who was shot after exiting his home armed with a handgun following a prolonged conversation with police.

Incident Overview

According to the Fargo Police Department, officers were dispatched to Greco’s residence in the 6100 block of 61st Avenue South, located about half a mile south of Deer Creek Elementary School, at 10:12 a.m.

The call stemmed from concerns about Greco’s well-being, as he had reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts.

Officers Sgt. Lucas Mock and Officer Princeten Harris engaged in conversation with Greco for more than 30 minutes in an effort to de-escalate the situation.

Despite their efforts, Greco exited the home armed with a handgun. At this point, both officers fired their weapons, fatally striking him.

Emergency medical personnel and Fargo Fire Department units, already on scene due to the nature of the call, immediately rendered aid to Greco. Despite their efforts, Greco was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Backgrounds

The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a use-of-force investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Sgt. Lucas Mock

• Tenure: Joined Fargo Police Department in 2016 as a patrol officer.
• Promotions: Promoted to sergeant in November 2021.
• Roles: Day shift supervisor in the Neighborhood Services Division.
• Additional Duties:
  • Commander of the department’s Crowd Management Team.
  • Former member of the Red River Valley SWAT team for four years.
  • Instructor in the Training and Development Unit.

Officer Princeten Harris

• Tenure: Recently graduated from Fargo Police Academy Class VII.
• Current Status: Completing the Police Training Officer program.
• Experience: On the force for 10 months at the time of the incident.

Community and Department Response

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski emphasized the efforts made by officers to de-escalate the situation before the fatal shooting.

The department has committed to transparency as the investigation continues.

Next Steps

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a thorough review of the incident, including the officers’ actions and the circumstances leading to the use of force. Both officers will remain on administrative leave until the investigation concludes.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to mental health crises, and authorities are urging anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek help by contacting local resources or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.