Morton County, ND – A North Dakota Highway Patrol traffic stop early Tuesday led to a fatal officer-involved shooting near New Salem. At approximately 12:45 a.m., a trooper attempted a stop on N 1804 (University Drive) in Bismarck. The driver, identified as Nicholas Kirby, 43, of Dickinson, ND, fled the scene. Troopers pursued the vehicle west on the Bismarck Expressway.
As the chase intensified, a second trooper and Morton County deputies joined. Spike strips were deployed, deflating the suspect’s tires. Despite this, Kirby allegedly opened fire on officers. The pursuit ended on I-94 near New Salem, where two troopers and a deputy responded with gunfire, resulting in Kirby’s death. A female passenger in the vehicle remained unharmed.
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is investigating the incident. The officers involved are on administrative leave, following standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. The Morton County State’s Attorney will review the case.
