Fargo police officer released from hospital three weeks after fatal shooting

A crowd applauds as a man walks with a woman and child.
Andrew Dotas (center left) leaves Sanford Health with his family as healthcare, police and military offer a round of applause Saturday.
Courtesy of Fargo Police Department

Andrew Dotas, a Fargo police officer who suffered critical injuries from a shooting July 14 that killed a fellow officer and injured another, was released from the hospital Saturday.

Dotas was treated at Sanford Health, and at one point required a walker. But in a video released by the city, he was able to walk unaided out of the hospital with his wife and son, flanked by an applauding crowd. Appearing moved, he placed a hand over his heart.

Dotas and Fargo officers Jake Wallin and Tyler Hawes were shot as they were working what was described by police as a routine traffic crash. A man stopped in a vehicle nearby opened fire from inside his car, killing Wallin and injuring Hawes, Dotas and a bystander.

Hawes remains in stable condition at the hospital, according to police. Mohamad Barakat, who had 1,800 rounds on him at the time of the shooting, was shot by a fourth officer and later died of his injuries.

State and federal investigators are still looking into Barakat’s motive for the shooting.

Grow the Future of Public Media

MPR News is supported by Members. Gifts from individuals power everything you find here. Make a gift of any amount today to become a Member!