Pembina County (trfnews.i234.me) — An Ontario woman is facing North Dakota charges after a border incident and highway pursuit.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the case began at the Pembina Port of Entry on Interstate 29.
A vehicle failed to stop for U.S. border officers and kept driving southbound.
The U.S. Border Patrol requested assistance from the Highway Patrol.
Troopers located the vehicle on I-29 and started a pursuit.
They attempted to bring the vehicle to a safe stop as it moved through the region.
Near Grand Forks, troopers deployed tire deflation devices.
The devices struck the suspect vehicle’s tires and caused damage.
The vehicle slowed but did not stop right away.
During the pursuit, the vehicle crossed the median and briefly traveled north in the southbound lanes.
That wrong-way driving created a serious safety risk for oncoming traffic.
Troopers worked to manage traffic and keep other drivers away from the path of the fleeing vehicle.
Officers then used a controlled intervention to stop the vehicle.
The woman was taken into custody by the Highway Patrol without further incident.
No injuries to other drivers were reported at the scene.
The woman now faces state charges of fleeing and reckless endangerment.
North Dakota law allows felony charges when behavior puts other people at great risk.
Details on the state criminal code can be found through the North Dakota Century Code.
Traffic safety experts remind drivers to slow down when they see emergency lights.
They also urge people to avoid stopping on the road during a pursuit.
Extra guidance for safe driving is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name at this time.
She is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds her guilty.
Court dates and formal charging documents are expected in the coming days.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
