Clay County (trfnews.i234.me) – A Belcourt, North Dakota, man is now charged after a cross-border chase that ended in Moorhead, Minnesota.
According to a criminal complaint, the case started with a traffic stop in Fargo on November 27.
Officers tried to stop a vehicle driven by Clayton Gourneau Jr., of Belcourt, North Dakota.
Court documents say he did not remain at the scene.
Instead, the vehicle pulled away and headed toward the Minnesota state line.
Investigators say the vehicle entered Moorhead soon after the attempted stop.
The complaint states that officers chose to continue the pursuit into Clay County.
Because of the risk to the public, they requested tools to end the chase safely.
Another unit placed tire deflation devices, often called stop sticks, on the roadway.
Court records say the fleeing vehicle drove over the stop sticks.
The devices punctured the tires and slowed the car.
The complaint says the vehicle then came to a stop in Moorhead.
However, the driver did not stay with the car.
According to the complaint, Gourneau left the vehicle and ran on foot.
Officers began a search in the neighborhood near where the pursuit ended.
They checked yards, alleys, and nearby homes.
Court documents say they soon found Gourneau hiding in the yard of a residence.
He was then taken into custody without further incident.
Clayton Gourneau Jr. is accused of fleeing a traffic stop that began in Fargo and ended in Moorhead.
Prosecutors in Clay County have now charged Clayton Gourneau Jr. with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
More details on Minnesota fleeing laws can be found on the Minnesota state statute website.
The complaint does not list any injuries from the chase.
It does not say that any other vehicles were hit.
The case will move forward in Clay County District Court.
Future hearings and case updates will be posted on the Minnesota trial court public access site.
Drivers are reminded that failing to stop for officers can quickly lead to felony charges.
Information on Minnesota traffic and safety rules is also available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
At this stage, Clayton Gourneau Jr. is presumed innocent.
He remains innocent unless and until he is found guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
