The North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Mountrail County Sheriff’s Department were reportedly both involved in a high-speed chase after a man allegedly stole a vehicle from a casino. The incident occurred on March 12.
Deputies were dispatched to a New Town casino where a man had reportedly stolen a Ford Explorer. Witnesses told deputies the man had previously been drinking at the casino. Deputies reportedly pursued the man, who allegedly reached speeds greater than 100 mph.
Mountrail County deputies reportedly called the North Dakota Highway Patrol to assist with the pursuit. A trooper spotted the suspect vehicle driving west on Highway 2 and began following the vehicle with the lights and sirens on. The 36-year-old man continued driving west on the highway at speeds of around 105 mph. After running out of gasoline, the man came to a stop. Law enforcement officers state that it then took more than an hour to coax the man out of the SUV. The man is facing charges of unauthorized use of the vehicle, driving under the influence, fleeing and driving with a suspended or revoked license. It is unclear if the man is still in custody or if bond has been set in his case.
People facing criminal charges such as drunk driving or auto theft have a right to assert defenses to the allegations against them. Even in cases in which a conviction seems likely, a criminal defense attorney may still be able to negotiate a plea arrangement with the prosecutor. In the event it is determined to fight the case through trial, the attorney can mount a defense strategy designed to best combat the state’s case.
Source: Grand Forks Herald, “Williston man accused of stealing vehicle from casino, leading officers on chase,” March 13, 2015.