PENNINGTON COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Paul Gregory Piche, a 37-year-old from Thief River Falls, was sentenced on Tuesday, September 17, to over six years in prison for intentionally striking a motorcyclist with his pickup truck, causing severe injuries. The incident occurred on May 23, 2022, near the Seven Clans Casino, following a heated confrontation between Piche and the victim.
Originally facing multiple charges, including second-degree attempted murder, Piche ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree assault under a Norgaard plea, where he admits there is enough evidence to convict him but claims he cannot recall committing the crime. As a result of the plea deal, the other charges were dropped.
According to court documents, the conflict began when Piche followed a woman in her car to the casino, where he was confronted by her husband, who arrived on a motorcycle. After a brief verbal altercation, Piche followed the motorcyclist as he drove away and struck him from behind, causing the man to fall. Piche then backed up his truck and accelerated toward the victim again, hitting him and throwing him into a ditch before fleeing the scene.
The motorcyclist suffered fractured ribs and a broken arm as a result of the attack. Piche evaded authorities for three hours before being apprehended.
Piche’s defense argued for a reduced sentence, citing his history of mental health issues and the fact that he was unmedicated at the time of the crime. A psychological evaluation suggested that Piche may have believed his life was in danger, as security footage showed the victim reaching into his pocket during the confrontation.
Despite these arguments, Piche was sentenced to 74 months in prison, of which he will serve approximately 49 months under Minnesota’s two-thirds rule. With credit for 846 days already served, Piche will spend less than 21 months in custody at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud, followed by supervised release.