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Bemidji Motorcycle Chase Hits 96 MPH, Charges Filed

Cass Lake man Keith Dion-James White faces a felony fleeing charge after a motorcycle pursuit near Bemidji. A deputy estimated speeds averaged 96 mph.

A Cass Lake man faces three criminal charges after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed motorcycle pursuit in Beltrami County.
A Cass Lake man faces three criminal charges after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed motorcycle pursuit in Beltrami County.

BEMIDJI, MN – (trfnews.i234.me) – A Cass Lake man faces three criminal charges after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed motorcycle pursuit in Beltrami County.

Keith Dion-James White, 22, of Cass Lake, is accused of fleeing law enforcement during an October 18, 2026, pursuit.

According to a criminal complaint, the chase reached speeds exceeding 90 mph before deputies ended their pursuit over public safety concerns.

Motorcycle Wheelie Catches Deputy’s Attention

The incident began when a Beltrami County sheriff’s deputy was traveling northbound on Paul Bunyan Drive.

The deputy reportedly saw a southbound motorcycle performing a wheelie.

After turning around, the deputy activated emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop.

Instead of stopping, the motorcycle accelerated away, according to the complaint.

The deputy activated the squad car’s siren and continued pursuing the motorcycle southbound on Paul Bunyan Drive.

The rider reportedly wore a gray sweatshirt and helmet while operating a dark-colored motorcycle.

Pursuit Reaches Speeds Over 90 MPH

The motorcycle turned eastbound onto Roosevelt Road while continuing at a high speed.

According to investigators, the rider passed another vehicle using the shoulder while traveling within city limits.

The deputy reported observing speeds exceeding 90 mph during the pursuit.

Dispatch eventually instructed the deputy to discontinue the chase because of public safety concerns.

The deputy later estimated the pursuit covered approximately four miles at an average speed of 96 mph.

Keith White
Keith Dion-James White

Other Deputies Spot Motorcycle

Additional deputies positioned near Roosevelt Road reportedly heard an approaching motorcycle accelerating.

They observed a dark motorcycle matching the original description.

The rider was wearing a gray sweatshirt and helmet.

Deputies also noticed the motorcycle had yellow rims and appeared to lack a registration plate.

According to the complaint, the motorcycle accelerated away after the rider noticed the deputies.

Tribal Police Locate Suspect at Gas Station

Shortly afterward, Leech Lake Tribal Police reported locating the motorcycle at the Junction Gas Station.

Tribal officers took the suspected rider into custody.

Authorities identified him as Keith Dion-James White.

Investigators reported that the motorcycle did not have a license plate.

A driver’s license check also showed White’s driving privileges were suspended.

White was arrested and transported to jail.

Suspect Makes Statement About Motorcycle

At the jail, White was advised of his Miranda rights.

According to the complaint, White acknowledged that performing a wheelie near law enforcement was a poor decision.

He also reportedly stated that he had purchased the motorcycle approximately one month earlier.

White told investigators the motorcycle was not insured.

Investigators reviewed dashboard camera footage showing the rider wearing a helmet with a green visor.

White reportedly had a helmet matching that description.

Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Filed

Prosecutors charged White with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.

White also faces misdemeanor charges for operating an uninsured motorcycle and driving without a motorcycle endorsement.

Each misdemeanor carries a possible sentence of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

The case was filed in Beltrami County District Court under number 04-CR-26-2608.

The complaint includes an order of detention. The current case outcome has not been independently confirmed.

Additional information is available through Minnesota’s fleeing law and Minnesota Court Records Online.

White is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.

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Approximate incident areaBemidji, Minnesota

Estimated town area, not a confirmed incident address. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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