Neighbors React to Belfield Shooting | Video

Alex Hagan | 7/6/2012

A stand-off just north of Belfield turned deadly earlier this week when a Dickinson man was shot and killed after pointing a rifle at police. Kyle Quackenbush, 26, was involved in a confrontation with the Dickinson Tactical Team. Quackenbush then aimed his rifle at officers and police responded with deadly force.

The Dickinson Tactical Team attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Quackenbush at a residence in Billings County. The warrant was issued on a Class C Felony Charge of aggravated assault. The suspect and police were involved in a stand off which eventually led to Quackebush`s death. The events left neighbors puzzled and scared after so much activity.

Just off Highway 85, north of Belfield, police attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence in Billings county. The events led to something more drastic.

"The sheriff came over and said there was a suspicious character they have been dealing with since 3:00 a.m. and that`s about all we knew," said Martin Braun, who lives nearby.

The confrontation led to the death of Quackenbush, who pointed his rifle at police to prompt the shooting.

"I feel like it was too much force there for such a young gentlemen. I think they should have called his dad instead of the SWAT Team," said Bill Haverluk, who lives nearby.

All is quiet at the residence right now, but on Tuesday the place was swarming with police officers and SWAT Team Members.

"We came back just across from our location on Highway 85, the Sheriffs Department and SWAT were basically having a meeting. There were several vehicles, they had EMS on station," Braun said.

The neighbors would like more answers to what was going on.

"It`s scary, I thought the oil industry was scaring me, but this is worse yet," Haverluk said.

Some even question whether this part of the state is safe anymore.

"I heard the crime rate report the other day that`s increased with the amount in population in western North Dakota in the oil patch is up 25 percent and that`s right along with crime rate. It seems there is a little more violent stuff going on lately," Braun said.

An officer with the Dickinson Police Department has been placed on administrative leave, which is customary in these situations.

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been asked to conduct a review of the use of deadly force. The investigation is pending and further information will be released when available.

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