DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
District of North Dakota

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Mac Schneider
, United States Attorney

Fargo, ND, Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Pointing a Loaded Handgun at Fargo Police Officers

Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Shawn Larkin, Age 40 of Fargo, ND, appeared before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte, U.S. District Court, Fargo, ND, and was sentenced to 57 months years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for the charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.

In the early morning hours of September 9, 2020, Fargo Police stopped Larkin’s vehicle because his license was suspended. Larkin was uncooperative and fought with officers as they tried to take him into custody. As Larkin was on the ground with officers, he pulled a loaded handgun out of his waistband and pointed it at officers. Officers were able to subdue Larkin and take him into custody.

Officers found two loaded handgun magazines and multiple drugs and paraphernalia on Larkin and in his vehicle. Larkin was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to felony convictions for a 2001 theft in Wisconsin, a 2012 simple assault on a peace officer in Ward County, North Dakota, and a previous felon in possession of a firearm conviction prosecuted in the District of North Dakota in 2013.

“Felons with guns are a threat to our law enforcement partners and the safety of our communities,” Schneider said. “The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to taking felons in possession of firearms off the street. This strong sentence is a reflection of that commitment.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fargo Police Department, and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander J. Stock prosecuted the case.

St. Paul Field Division