Grand Forks, ND — A routine evening patrol in Grand Forks escalated rapidly on November 13, when a police officer attempted to stop a vehicle driving erratically near 1300 South Washington Street at around 6:30 p.m.
According to the Grand Forks Police Department, the driver of a 2021 Toyota Highlander ignored the officer’s emergency lights and instead accelerated, kicking off a dangerous pursuit through residential and commercial streets.
Suspected Vehicle Speeds Through Neighborhood
After refusing to pull over, the driver continued southbound on South Washington Street, weaving through traffic before making a sharp turn west onto 17th Avenue South.
Officers reported that the vehicle then increased speed significantly, raising concern for both public safety and the possibility of a collision as it traveled deeper into populated areas.
Pursuits in this corridor are particularly risky due to cross-traffic, pedestrians, and several neighborhood access points — all of which heighten the potential for accidents.
Sheriff’s Deputy Executes PIT Maneuver
With the chase intensifying, a Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Deputy stepped in to bring the fleeing driver to a stop. Officials say the deputy performed a PIT maneuver — a controlled technique used to forcibly rotate a vehicle — near 2600 17th Avenue South.
The maneuver successfully stopped the Highlander, but not before the vehicle veered off course and collided with an electric pole on the north side of the berm. The impact caused significant damage to the SUV and sparked concerns about possible live electrical hazards.
Driver Identified as Juvenile and Taken to Hospital
Authorities quickly approached the wrecked vehicle and discovered that the driver was a juvenile, whose name and identifying details will not be released due to age-related privacy protections.
Although the crash appeared severe, officials stated that the teen did not suffer any known injuries. As a precaution, the juvenile was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
Police did not specify whether the teen was alone in the vehicle, though initial reports suggest no passengers were present.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
Following the hospital evaluation, authorities announced that the juvenile is now facing several charges, including:
- Fleeing in a motor vehicle
- Reckless endangerment
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Theft of a debit card
Officials have not shared details on how the 2021 Toyota Highlander or the debit card were obtained, though investigators indicated these factors were already relevant before the pursuit began.
Officials Highlight Risks of Vehicle Pursuits
Police say the incident serves as yet another reminder of the dangers involved when drivers flee from law enforcement. High-speed chases significantly increase the risk of injury to officers, suspects, and the public.
The collision also prompted concerns about potential damage to infrastructure, especially after the SUV struck an electrical pole. Utility crews were notified, though no major outages were reported.
The case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed depending on what detectives uncover.
Do you think police should pursue fleeing vehicles more cautiously — or take decisive action to stop dangerous drivers quickly?
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