Ward County pursuit ends in crash

WARD COUNTY (KFGO) – A North Dakota State Trooper attempted to stop a pickup truck for a traffic violation on Highway 2 near mile marker 142. The pickup fled from the trooper along with Ward County deputies and initiated a pursuit. 

The pickup exited Highway 2 and drove west on Ward County Road 12, then turned south onto 156th Street SW. A Ward County deputy successfully spiked the pickup just north of Ward County Road 14 on 156th Street SW. The pickup drove south across Ward County Road 14 and entered a field. Law enforcement set up a perimeter around the field. Law enforcement located the pickup approximately 1⁄2 mile south of Ward County 14 in the field where the pickup struck a large stack of round bales. 

The driver, a 45-year-old man from New Town, ND was not wearing a seatbelt. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot. The driver was charged with driving under suspension, fleeing a peace officer, and aggravated reckless driving. 

The passenger, a 45-year-old woman from Stanley, ND was not wearing a seatbelt. The woman sustained serious injuries and was transported to Trinity Hospital in Minot. Names will be released at a later date. 

This incident remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.