Moorhead Police Respond to Reported Gunfire, Discover HVAC Unit as Source
MOORHEAD, MN – November 20, 2025 – A meaningful police presence in south Moorhead on Wednesday, November 19, was triggered by reports of possible gunfire, prompting a rapid response and investigation. Authorities have since determined the sound originated from a malfunctioning HVAC unit, and no evidence of a shooting was found.
The incident began shortly after noon when officers were dispatched to the intersection of 19th Street South and 18th Avenue South. The initial report led to a temporary road closure as police interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage. While the source of the noise proved to be mechanical, the response underscores the Moorhead Police Department’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and thoroughly investigating potential threats.
According to police, the responding officer acted in “good faith” given the nature of the report. Multiple Moorhead police vehicles were observed blocking the intersection, with traffic being allowed to resume around 1:30 p.m.
“We take all reports of possible gunfire seriously and respond with the resources necessary to protect our community,” said Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick. “In this case, the officer responded appropriately based on what was heard, and our team worked quickly to investigate and ensure there was no threat to the public. We’re thankful the officer was not in harm’s way, and we will always err on the side of caution when it comes to public safety.”
The investigation confirmed no shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement, even when the source ultimately proves benign.