GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Benjamin Mikkel Pawlowski, 31, pleaded guilty on Monday to eight crimes committed in Grand Forks County and will be sentenced this fall.
Incident Overview:
- Arrest: Pawlowski was arrested in March.
- Crimes: He shoplifted merchandise from Target and fled from law enforcement, leading to a high-speed chase. He crashed his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by an officer.
- Evidence: Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and the stolen merchandise were found in his vehicle.
Charges:
Pawlowski agreed to plead guilty to all eight charges:
- Class C Felonies:
- Reckless endangerment showing extreme indifference
- Fleeing a police officer
- Methamphetamine possession
- Drug paraphernalia possession
- Theft
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Class B Misdemeanors:
- Driving under suspension
- Refusal to halt
Sentencing:
- Maximum Sentence: Each Class C felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
- Plea Agreement: The proposed plea deal recommends a 10-year sentence due to Pawlowski’s status as a habitual offender. He would serve three years with credit for time served since March. The remaining time would be suspended if he complies with all conditions. He would also be on supervised probation for two years.
- Next Steps: A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered, and sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 14.