UPDATE - December 12, 2025
Shortly before noon on Thursday, December 11, a Horizon Middle School student reported to staff that another student was in possession of a large quantity of blue pills. Thanks to the quick actions of school staff and School Resource Officer Jessica Horn, the student was safely detained, and the pills were secured without incident.
Moorhead Police Department detectives, including members of our Narcotics Unit, responded and began an investigation. Field testing indicated the pills are suspected to contain fentanyl — a highly dangerous substance, especially for youth.
Approximately 1,500 pills were allegedly in the student’s possession. The juvenile, age 13, was arrested for 1st Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance and transported to the West Central Juvenile Detention Center. His parents were notified.
The pills will be sent for lab testing to confirm their contents. Based on field testing and appearance, they are believed to be fentanyl-laced counterfeit M30 pills. The photo is in the comments.
Chief Helmick said "We commend the students who came forward — your actions helped protect others. This remains an active investigation, and we will continue working closely with Moorhead Area Public Schools to strengthen safety protocols and ensure a secure learning environment for all students and staff."
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Earlier today, Thursday, December 11, a student at Horizon Middle School was arrested by the Moorhead Police Department for allegedly bringing an illegal substance onto school property. The incident was handled swiftly and safely by school staff and the School Resource Officer, with no disruption to the school day.
The student was taken into custody without incident, and the matter is now under investigation. Due to privacy laws, the student’s identity and specific details of the case will not be released.
“The safety and security of our students is our highest priority,” said Superintendent Brandon Lunak. “Any possession, distribution, or involvement with illegal substances is taken extremely seriously in Moorhead Area Public Schools. Students found to be in violation of law or district policy will face appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, and the district will cooperate fully with law enforcement in pursuing prosecution when applicable. We are grateful for the response of the Moorhead Police Department and the quick actions of our staff and students, which ensured there was no impact on students during this incident. We remain firmly committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students.”
Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick stated, “Our partnership with Horizon Middle School and the Moorhead Area Public Schools is strong and working well. We appreciate the trust and teamwork between us that make this possible. We’re seeing real results from our collaboration, and this incident is a clear example that the safety protocols put in place by the schools are working. We will continue working closely with Moorhead Area Public Schools to ensure the safety of students and staff.”
Press Conference Scheduled
A press conference will be held Friday, December 12, at 10:30 am. at the Moorhead Police Department, located at 911 11 S N. Representatives from Moorhead Area Public Schools and the Moorhead Police Department will be available to provide further information and address questions from the media.
