Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Crime Hotspot Near Williston ND Known as “The Pit”

Local law enforcement agencies were kept busy over the weekend as they executed a coordinated enforcement operation at a well-known party spot west of Williston. In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Williston Police Department, along with multiple supporting agencies, responded to growing concerns over criminal activity in the 1100 Block of 84th Street West—an undeveloped area commonly known by locals as “the pit.”

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Spike in Crime at “The Pit” Prompts Coordinated Law Enforcement Response

The operation was launched following an alarming uptick in case reports linked to the site, including aggravated and simple assaults, underage drinking, drug use, and large unauthorized gatherings. Authorities say the area has generated at least 18 official case reports in 2025 alone, prompting action to curb the escalating public safety concerns.

Multi-Agency Team Confronts Dozens at Late-Night Gathering Around Bonfire

Around midnight, officers arrived at the scene and made contact with approximately 75 individuals, aged 14 to 25, gathered around a large bonfire. The coordinated effort included officers from the Williston Police Department, North Dakota Highway Patrol, Williams County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Parole & Probation, and the Northwest Narcotics Task Force.

In addition to managing the crowd, the North Dakota Highway Patrol conducted traffic stops on vehicles exiting the area, aimed at identifying impaired drivers and preventing further illegal activity.

The results of the enforcement included:

• 14 curfew violations

• 17 citations for minor in consumption (MIC)

• 1 warrant arrest

• 1 tobacco violation

• 3 marijuana-related charges

• 2 DUI arrests

• 1 DUI refusal

The enforcement was part of a broader initiative to reduce criminal behavior and alleviate the ongoing strain on emergency services caused by repeated incidents at this location. No further information about the incident is expected to be released at this time.