Fargo Man Charged After 100 MPH Chase With Infant

GRAND FORKS COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man faces nine charges after a high-speed chase Saturday morning.

Authorities said an infant was inside the vehicle during the pursuit on U.S. Highway 2.

Elijah Hunter Belgarde, 25, was charged on July 11 in Grand Forks County District Court.

Belgarde appeared at an initial hearing Monday. He remained in custody after that hearing.

Traffic Stop Leads to Chase

A probable cause affidavit says the incident began around 7:40 a.m.

A North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper was traveling east on Highway 2.

The trooper saw a vehicle without license plates. Its temporary tag was also not registered.

The vehicle briefly stopped after the trooper activated emergency lights. It then sped away.

Investigators said the vehicle exceeded 100 mph before stopping near mile marker 322.

A deputy arrived to help secure the scene. Three people were found inside the vehicle.

They included Belgarde, a woman, and an infant secured in a car seat.

Passengers told investigators that Belgarde drove when the traffic stop began.

They said he asked another person to take the driver’s seat.

Belgarde allegedly wanted to avoid being identified as the driver.

The passengers initially refused. Investigators said Belgarde then continued fleeing at high speed.

One passenger reportedly begged him to stop because her grandchild was inside.

The affidavit says Belgarde kept accelerating despite those requests.

Before officers approached, a passenger moved into the driver’s seat.

Belgarde moved into the passenger seat, according to the affidavit.

Belgarde first denied driving. He later admitted it after being questioned, the affidavit says.

He allegedly said he fled because of an outstanding Fargo warrant.

The warrant involved domestic violence, aggravated assault, and felonious restraint allegations.

Belgarde also admitted to using methamphetamine before leaving Fargo, according to investigators.

He failed several field sobriety tests. He also refused a chemical test.

A vehicle search found methamphetamine, five oxycodone pills, marijuana wax, and drug paraphernalia.

Investigators also reported finding a counterfeit $100 bill.

Belgarde faces felony fleeing, reckless endangerment, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Other charges include drug-related DUI, DUI refusal, methamphetamine possession, and opiate possession.

He also faces infractions involving THC and marijuana paraphernalia.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 24.

Public case searches are available through North Dakota court records.

The charges are allegations. Belgarde is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.