Oakes Police Department

09/22/2026

The Oakes Police Department has been made aware that kids as young as 13 are sneaking out of their homes in the early morning hours to drink and v**e at the school park and at several residences around town. Some of these gatherings include older kids and adults, and we've been told that adults are the ones supplying the alcohol and v**es.

I want to be clear about why we are putting this out there. These are 7th and 8th graders. This isn't a case of kids sneaking out to have a little fun and getting into harmless trouble. These kids are putting themselves in very vulnerable positions, out in the middle of the night with older kids and adults who are most likely under the influence themselves. A 13-year-old who has been drinking is in no position to make good decisions or protect themselves, and the people around them at 2 in the morning are not looking out for their best interests. That is how kids get hurt, taken advantage of, or worse.

This post is about protecting our kids and making sure parents know what is going on. The school has been made aware, and we have been in discussion with the State's Attorney's Office about how these cases will be handled. Any adult contributing to this should expect to be charged, and we intend to send a clear message.

Parents, please know where your kids are overnight, check their phones, and have the conversation with them. Officers will be paying close attention to the school park and other areas during the overnight and early morning hours. If you have information on who is supplying these kids or where these gatherings are taking place, please contact the Oakes Police Department.

09/18/2026

OAKES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE

The Oakes Police Department has received a report of a company conducting door-to-door sales within city limits. Residents are asked to use caution.

North Dakota law requires door-to-door salespeople to be licensed and bonded with the state. The City of Oakes additionally requires a Transient Merchant Permit for anyone conducting this type of business within city limits. Legitimate salespeople should be able to produce both upon request.

Be cautious of any salesperson who cannot or will not provide proof of state licensing and a city permit, pressures you to sign a contract immediately, demands a large deposit or full payment up front, or refuses to leave or becomes argumentative when questioned.

Take your time before agreeing to any work or payment. Talk to your family. Check references. Legitimate contractors will not pressure you into an on-the-spot decision.

If you encounter a salesperson who cannot provide proper documentation, or who behaves aggressively, please contact the Oakes Police Department.

Please share this notice with elderly family members and neighbors living alone, who are frequently targeted by this type of activity.

09/08/2026

Parents, take a few minutes and watch this.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children put together an interactive film called "No Escape Room." It is built off real CyberTipline reports, and it follows a 15-year-old boy getting exploited online. You go through it yourself. It starts as a friendly chat with someone who looks like another teenager, and it quickly turns into blackmail.

It is uncomfortable to sit through. That is the point.

This isn't a big-city problem. We have taken reports from people in this area over the last five years who ended up in the same situation this film walks you through. It happens on the apps and games already on your kid's phone.

Kids don't come forward because they are embarrassed, and once they have already sent money, they think admitting it only makes things worse. Make sure yours knows they can come to you, or to us, and nobody will be mad at them.

If pictures are already out there, NCMEC has a free service called Take It Down. Go to missingkids.org/sextortion.

https://noescaperoom.org/

An interactive film that shows how teens get trapped in sextortion. Learn firsthand how it can happen to any kid—and what you can do to help.

09/03/2026

Update: Owner found

Does this dog belong to you? This dog is currently sitting in the shade on 5th St near Main Ave.

08/28/2026

OAKES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Media Release

Incident: Fire Call / Domestic Disturbance
Date: August 27, 2026

On August 27, 2026, at approximately 11:55 PM, the Oakes Police Department was dispatched to a residence in Oakes for a report of a fire and a possible domestic disturbance.

Officers arrived to find a large, out-of-control fire burning in the yard against an occupied residence. Household items were intentionally set on fire in the yard next to the home, outside of any contained burn area, and the fire grew as additional items were added. It ignited the porch and damaged the home. One person was inside the residence and got out safely. No injuries were reported.

Oakes Fire Department and Oakes Ambulance also responded. Because of Oakes Fire Department's quick response, the fire was extinguished before it spread further into the structure.

Following consultation with Dickey County State's Attorney Kimberly Radermacher, Samuel Allard, age 35, of Oakes, was arrested and transported to the Barnes County Jail on a charge of Endangering by Fire or Explosion, a Class B felony under North Dakota Century Code 12.1-21-02. The case remains under review by State's Attorney Radermacher for additional charges.

The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/25/2026

The Oakes Police Department is sharing this information on behalf of the Oakes Fire Auxiliary following a recent house fire in our community.

Please keep this family in your thoughts as they navigate this difficult time. For those wishing to help, donation needs and clothing sizes are included in the original post below. Please direct any questions or offers of assistance to the Oakes Fire Auxiliary or the contact listed in their post so the family can be given the privacy and time they need.

08/24/2026

****owner was located****
FOUND DOG 🐾
This dog was found on S 9th St in Oakes.
If this is your dog or you know who the owner may be, please contact the Oakes Police Department.
Please share so we can get this pup home! 🐶

08/23/2026

Water should be starting to return to everyone in town. The city crew will flush some hydrants to ensure everything is working properly. Thank you for your patience.

08/22/2026

🚨Attention🚨

The city is aware of water issues in town. We will update you once the problem is identified and share more information when possible.

08/07/2026

FOUND DOG

This friendly black dog was found near the City Shop in Oakes.

If this is your dog, or you know who the owner may be, please contact the Oakes Police Department so we can get them reunited with their family.

Please share to help us find the owner!