Officer Zachary Robinson engaged the suspect, drew fire from his wounded comrades, and fatally shot him.
Just before 3 on Friday, July 14, 2023, Fargo officers were investigating a traffic accident on a thoroughfare in the city when they came under fire from an unknown assailant with a .223 caliber rifle.
The assailant, who was parked facing the roadway in a nearby parking lot, began firing at three officers who had walked near his vehicle, striking all three. The suspect continued to fire as he exited his vehicle, also firing at the people involved in the collision and the firefighters who responded to the crash. One of the three officers, Jake Wallin, managed to fire one round before collapsing.
Officer Wallin was killed in the incident. Officer Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes were wounded. A civilian was wounded when she tried to run from the scene.
Officer Zachary Robinson, who was standing in the street at the time the gunfire erupted, immediately saw the suspect and returned fire with his handgun, while radioing for assistance and taking cover behind a vehicle.
Robinson’s fire knocked the shooter down and disabled his .223 rifle.
Video from the incident shows Robinson advancing on the suspect, ordering him to drop the gun and put his hands up multiple times. The man tried to get his rifle back into the fight, failed to do so, and then drew a 9mm pistol.
Robinson fired numerous rounds striking the gunman as he advanced. Then he flanked the gunman by going around the back of the man’s car and shot him multiple times.
Officials said Robinson fired 31 rounds in the gunfight and hit the suspect 21 times.
“Officer Robinson exhibited exceptional bravery and courage while facing the armed violent suspect. Officer Robinson’s actions not only saved his life, but the lives of fellow officers and citizens. As such, it is with great honor and pride that the National Rifle Association names Officer Zachary Robinson as the 2023 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year,” the NRA said.
“As NRA President, it gives me great honor to recognize Officer Robinson for his brave service to the Fargo community,” said Charles Cotton, NRA President. “Officer Robinson’s commitment to protecting his fellow officers and citizens is a testament to his courage and demonstrates the very best of our Nation’s finest who don the uniform of law and order. The NRA proudly supports the heroic men and women of law enforcement and we are grateful for their service to our country.”
The NRA will present Officer Robinson with the 2023 NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award and an engraved Glock firearm at the NRA Board of Directors Meeting following the 153rd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, scheduled for May 17-19, 2024, in Dallas.
For information about NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, go to https://awards.nra.org/awards/nra-officer-of-the-year-award/ .