Fargo Man Sentenced to One Year in Jail After Drunk Driving Crash Injures 12-Year-Old Girl
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA — A 55-year-old Fargo man who crashed his pickup truck into a home while driving drunk has been sentenced to one year in jail, following a plea deal on multiple felony charges.
According to Cass County Court records, Clinton Deckard pleaded guilty to felony criminal vehicular injury and reckless endangerment for the March 2 crash that left a 12-year-old girl seriously injured inside the home.
Pickup Slammed Into South Fargo Home
The crash occurred around 1:15 p.m. that afternoon in south Fargo, when Deckard’s pickup truck veered off the road and slammed into a residential property, leaving the vehicle partially lodged inside the house. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the young girl severely injured and trapped amid debris.
She was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where she underwent treatment for significant injuries. Authorities later confirmed that the crash was caused by Deckard’s impaired driving.
Sentencing Details
Deckard was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, meaning he will serve one year behind bars. Upon release, he must participate in the 24/7 sobriety program and will be on supervised probation for two years.
He was booked into the Cass County Jail on Friday morning to begin serving his sentence.
Judge Emphasizes Accountability
Prosecutors said the sentence reflects the seriousness of Deckard’s actions, which endangered both the girl and others in the residential area. The court emphasized that ongoing sobriety monitoring and probation conditions are designed to prevent future incidents.
Ongoing Recovery for Victim
While details about the 12-year-old victim’s recovery have not been publicly released, authorities said her injuries were significant but not life-threatening at the time of the crash. The incident prompted renewed discussion in Fargo about drunk driving prevention and residential safety along busy streets.
Stay updated on more North Dakota court cases, sentencing updates, and public safety news by following NapervilleLocal.com, your trusted source for verified regional coverage.
Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.