Deputy cleared in shooting

Pope County Deputy Sheriff Gary Wold has been cleared after he was involved in a shooting in Fergus Falls on Friday, Feb. 13.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension conducted an investigation after the shooting and wrapped up late last month clearing Wold from any wrong-doing.

The BCA routinely investigates to determine whether law enforcement officers acted properly when using firearms.

What happened

Deputy Gary Wold had transported an individual to the detoxification center in Fergus Falls and was on his way back to Pope County when he reportedly stopped a vehicle for driving in the wrong lane of traffic on Highway 210.

According to news reports, the deputy stated that after asking for the driver's license, the driver suddenly and unexpectedly turned toward him and pointed what looked to be a gun.

The deputy drew his handgun while backing away from the suspect vehicle and fired his handgun at the car.

The driver then reportedly sped away, but shorty after crashed into a snowbank and fled from the crash scene on foot.

The driver, Christian White, 41, was taken into custody by Fergus Falls Police and jailed on two outstanding felony warrants for firearms possession in Todd County.

From the incident, White was charged with second-degree assault, fleeing a peace officer and fourth-degree possession of narcotics.

Regarding a Pope County deputy making the traffic stop in Fergus Falls, Pope County Sheriff Tom Larson explained, "When we're on-duty, we have jurisdiction state wide and it's our duty to act in a situation like this [with a vehicle driving in the wrong lane].

Wold has worked in law enforcement for 38 years - nine of those with the Pope County Sheriff's Office.

Glad to hear that he was cleared of any "wrong doing." Sounds to me that he had EVERY right to pull the gun and fire as he felt like his life was being threatened!