Moorhead Man Charged After Clay County Pursuit

Clay County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Moorhead man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he fled from a traffic stop and was later found with suspected methamphetamine.

Robert Richard Herkenratt, 64, of Moorhead, is charged in Clay County District Court with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, felony fifth-degree drug possession, and gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation.

The charges stem from an incident reported on July 9, 2026, in Clay County.

Traffic Stop Turns Into Pursuit

According to court documents, deputies were patrolling the 2000 block of Highway 9 when they saw a white passenger vehicle traveling north.

Authorities say the vehicle had an expired registration dating back to December 2025.

A traffic stop was attempted, but the driver allegedly did not stop.

Court records state the vehicle continued traveling at about 58 miles per hour while emergency lights and sirens were activated.

Officials say the driver swerved within the lane during the pursuit.

The complaint states that a substance was thrown from the vehicle and struck the squad vehicle.

Investigators later recovered the substance from the roadway.

Field testing indicated the substance was methamphetamine, according to the complaint.

Robert Richard Herkenratt

Vehicle Stopped After Pursuit

The complaint states the vehicle slowed but continued moving after the attempted stop.

Authorities reported using a precision immobilization technique, also known as a PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Robert Richard Herkenratt.

Court records state Herkenratt was taken into custody without further incident.

Officials say his driver’s license status was listed as canceled for public safety reasons.

The complaint also states that he had an outstanding warrant from Becker County.

Drug Evidence Alleged

Following the arrest, authorities say a clear plastic baggie containing a crystal-like substance was found.

A drug detection dog was used during a vehicle search, according to court documents.

Investigators reported finding drug-related items and paraphernalia inside the vehicle.

The suspected methamphetamine recovered from the incident was reported to weigh 4.8 grams.

Herkenratt faces a possible prison sentence if convicted on the felony charges.

Fifth-degree drug possession carries a possible maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle carries a possible sentence of up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The charges are allegations, and Herkenratt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

More information about Minnesota court records is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News