Fargo Police drone footage shows illegal car meet with over 100 vehicles

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Fargo Police used a drone to document a gathering of more than 100 vehicles on private property over the weekend, capturing exhibition driving and property damage before officers arrived and the vehicles dispersed.

Officers responded to a call for service at approximately 10:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, regarding the gathering. A drone deployed to the scene captured multiple vehicles exhibition driving on private commercial property without the owner’s permission, along with tire marks and rubber residue left across the parking lot. The footage was monitored through the department’s Real-Time Crime Center. The vehicles dispersed before officers arrived.

The Fargo Police Department said exhibition driving is prohibited in public and private parking lots under North Dakota law and Fargo city ordinance, and that those involved in unauthorized gatherings on private property may be subject to trespassing charges, including criminal trespassing charges if they return after being trespassed.

“While the October 10 gathering is one example of what’s happening here in Fargo, communities across the state face similar challenges,” the department said in a statement. “We have nothing against car meets or people coming together over a shared passion for cars... The problem is when the same illegal activity and destruction of property continues to happen time and time again, without meaningful change or even a willingness to acknowledge that there’s a problem.”

The gathering is the latest flashpoint in an ongoing debate in the Fargo-Moorhead area over car meets and street racing. Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner has pushed for stiffer penalties for drivers who flee law enforcement, saying there is currently little deterrent for those who run. Last month, a driver fleeing a street-racing event struck and killed 49-year-old Ian Frye, of Christine.

Some local car enthusiasts have also spoken out against the current car meet culture, arguing that reckless driving and illegal activity tied to large gatherings is damaging the broader car community and discouraging responsible enthusiasts from participating.

The Fargo Police Department said its goal isn’t to stop people from enjoying their passion for cars, but to ensure they do so legally and responsibly.