On the evening of July 4, 2024, a shooting at Sledster’s Food and Brew on South 4th Street in downtown Grand Forks left 53-year-old James Jorgenson dead. Officers responding to reports of a shooting found Jorgenson inside the bar with apparent gunshot wounds; life-saving measures were attempted at the scene but he did not survive. Witnesses said a male suspect produced a handgun, fired multiple rounds at Jorgenson, then fled on foot while numerous patrons were present. The gunfire also damaged the interior of the business.

Police later located and detained a suspect at Tea and Crepe’s on Demers Avenue; a handgun was found on the floor near him. The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Nicholas Narveson of Grand Forks and was charged with murder, terrorizing, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. At trial Narveson claimed self-defense, but a jury found him guilty of murder, terrorizing, and reckless endangerment; sentencing was set for August 1st and he faces up to life in prison.

If anyone was inside Sledster’s that night or has information about what led to the shooting, please come forward.