BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Cass Lake man faces a felony charge after allegedly leading Bemidji police on a five-mile vehicle pursuit.
According to court documents, Justin Ray Foy, 42, was arrested following the October 17, 2026, incident.
The pursuit reportedly involved a white SUV traveling at high speeds along Roosevelt Road SE, Sunnyside Road SE, and Highway 2.
Foy later told investigators he believed people were following him and claimed he did not initially recognize the police vehicle.
Officer Spots Suspicious SUV Around 2:52 AM
The investigation began around 2:52 a.m. while a Bemidji police officer was patrolling Roosevelt Road SE.
According to the complaint, the officer noticed a white SUV turning onto Roosevelt Road SE from Lake Avenue SE.
The vehicle reportedly drifted within its lane as the officer followed from several blocks behind.
Near Van Buren Road SE, the SUV pulled toward the roadside before entering a driveway.
The officer observed the SUV immediately back out and return toward the roadway.
After allegedly observing stop sign and turn signal violations, the officer activated his emergency lights.
Police Pursuit Reaches Highway 2
According to court documents, the SUV accelerated and continued away from the pursuing officer.
The officer reported driving approximately 90 mph while attempting to close the distance between the vehicles.
At one point, the SUV was reportedly about a quarter-mile ahead of the patrol vehicle.
The pursuit continued onto Sunnyside Road SE, where the officer activated his siren.
The officer briefly lost sight of the SUV as it traveled over a hill.
Near Highway 2, the officer spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound.
The SUV eventually pulled onto the right shoulder and stopped.
Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and arrested Foy.
Driver Claims He Feared Being Followed
After receiving his Miranda warning, Foy reportedly gave investigators an explanation for his actions.
According to the complaint, Foy claimed several men had confronted him earlier at a bar.
He said he believed those individuals were following him and claimed they used vehicles resembling police cars.
Foy initially identified Bar 209 as the location of the confrontation.
During a later conversation, he reportedly identified Hard Times instead.
Foy also claimed he had not noticed the emergency lights until reaching Sunnyside Road SE.
These statements were Foy’s account and were not independently established in the complaint.
Breath Test Registers 0.05
During the investigation, Foy acknowledged consuming three alcoholic drinks earlier that night.
Officers reported watery eyes and signs of possible impairment during field sobriety testing at the Beltrami County Jail.
A preliminary breath test registered an alcohol concentration of 0.05.
The complaint does not include a DWI charge.
Deputies Report Possible Sign Collision
Following the pursuit, investigators noticed damage to the SUV’s driver’s-side taillight.
According to court documents, the taillight had reportedly been dragging along the roadway.
Deputies suspected the SUV struck a yield sign near Highway 2 and Sunnyside Road SE.
The complaint describes the suspected collision as an investigative conclusion rather than a confirmed observation.
Felony Fleeing Charge Filed
Foy faces one felony count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
Under Minnesota Statute 609.487, subdivision 3, the offense carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
The case is filed in Beltrami County District Court under court file number 04-CR-26-2588.
The complaint includes an order of detention.
All allegations remain unproven. Foy is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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