Missing Bemidji Man Found in Fargo
Authorities confirmed that 25-year-old Zachariah Ausmus, who had been the subject of an endangered person alert, was located safely.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Emergency Response
The Minnesota BCA reported that Zachariah Ausmus, a 25-year-old resident of Bemidji, has been found in Fargo. He had been missing since mid-September, triggering an endangered person alert.
Why it matters
The discovery resolves a search effort that began after Ausmus was last seen in Bemidji. The case highlights the cross-state coordination between Minnesota and North Dakota law enforcement agencies.
The 25-year-old Ausmus, who may use the name River, stands 5'7'' and weighs 200 lb. Officials documented his presence in Cass County between September 23 and September 25 before his discovery on October 5.
The players
Zachariah Ausmus
He is a 25-year-old resident of Bemidji who was the subject of an endangered person alert.
Minnesota BCA
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides investigative support and forensic services to local law enforcement agencies across the state.
The details
Zachariah Ausmus had been the focus of an endangered person alert issued by the Minnesota BCA following his disappearance from Bemidji on September 14, 2026. Law enforcement confirmed he was located in Fargo on October 5, 2026, following earlier contact with authorities in Cass County.
Timeline
September 14, 2026: Zachariah Ausmus was last seen in Bemidji.
September 23-25, 2026: Ausmus had recorded contact with Cass County.
October 5, 2026: Authorities found Zachariah Ausmus in Fargo.
Seasonal Patterns
This case follows the standard operational procedures established by the Minnesota Endangered Person Alert program. The successful location of the resident mirrors typical outcomes for cross-jurisdictional missing persons investigations between neighboring states.
Residents in the Fargo and Bemidji areas are no longer required to assist in the search for this individual. The public is advised to contact the Bemidji Police Department at 218-333-9111 regarding any outstanding questions related to the department's previous missing persons records.
The takeaway
The successful location of the missing individual underscores the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation in interstate missing persons cases. Authorities emphasize that prompt reporting remains the most critical factor in facilitating a safe resolution for endangered persons.
Further reading
For more information on regional safety protocols, visit the Emergency Response section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lakeland PBS.
