Authorities Release Name of Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting Near Williston North Dakota

Authorities have released the name of the suspect involved in a deputy-involved shooting that occurred early Monday morning following a domestic violence call near Williston.

According to the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect has been identified as Sean Christopher Payne, age 32, of Williston. The identification was released on March 3, 2026, as the investigation into the incident continues.

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Timeline of Events and Ongoing Investigation in March 2 Deputy-Involved Shooting

The original call for service occurred on March 2, 2026, at approximately 1:29 a.m., when deputies were dispatched to the 14200 block of Highway 2 for a reported domestic disturbance involving a firearm. Upon arrival, deputies encountered an armed suspect. During the encounter, deputies discharged their firearms, striking the suspect in the leg and torso.

Deputies immediately rendered life-saving aid and requested emergency medical services. Payne was transported to CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Williston, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Two additional individuals involved in the domestic disturbance were injured prior to law enforcement’s arrival. Both were transported to CHI St. Alexius Hospital and remain under medical care. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed. No deputies were injured during the incident.

The officer-involved shooting remains under investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which is standard protocol in use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement. Officials have stated that no further information related to the officer-involved shooting will be released until the BCI investigation is complete.

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Meanwhile, the Williams County Sheriff’s Office continues its separate investigation into the domestic violence incident that led to the initial call for service.

Authorities emphasized that this is still an active investigation. Information remains limited to protect the integrity of the investigative process, and additional details will be released once they become available.

Officials also reiterated the seriousness and unpredictability of domestic violence situations and encourage anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse to seek assistance through local resources or law enforcement.