Warrant Execution Leads to Arrest and Drug Paraphernalia Seizure in Williston ND

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Williston Police Department executed a search warrant at a home in the 500 Block of 7th Avenue West, targeting an individual with known active warrants. The operation stemmed from credible information indicating that 47-year-old Jacob Robert Peterson was inside the residence.

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Police Secure Search Warrant and Perimeter Before Executing Arrest of Wanted Individual

Peterson was wanted on two municipal warrants and one district court warrant. With this information, officers obtained a search warrant through the Williams County State’s Attorney’s Office and took tactical steps to safely execute it. A perimeter was established around the property before officers proceeded with entry.

Once inside the home, officers immediately observed suspected drug paraphernalia in plain sight. This discovery prompted law enforcement to request a secondary search warrant to further investigate the potential presence of illegal substances or related materials.

Peterson, who initially refused to comply with officers’ commands, was located hiding in a crawl space. To bring him into custody safely, officers deployed less-lethal pepper ball rounds. Fortunately, Peterson was apprehended without injury.

Additional Charges Filed After Drug Paraphernalia Seized in Secondary Search

The secondary search resulted in the seizure of several items believed to be drug-related. In addition to the three outstanding warrants, Peterson now faces two new Class A misdemeanor charges: preventing arrest and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Williston Police Department emphasized that the operation was carried out with safety as a top priority. The use of non-lethal methods (pepper ball rounds) helped de-escalate the situation and led to a peaceful resolution. This incident underscores the department's ongoing commitment to addressing both criminal activity and drug-related concerns in the community.