GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Benjamin Mikkel Pawlowski, a 30-year-old man from Grand Forks, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday, October 14. The harsh sentence comes after he pleaded guilty to six Class C felonies and two Class B misdemeanors related to a high-speed chase that involved fleeing from law enforcement.
According to the probable cause statement filed in the case, Pawlowski shoplifted $347.88 worth of merchandise from Target on March 3 before leading police on a wild goose chase through Grand Forks city and county streets. The pursuit lasted five miles, with speeds reaching up to 100 mph at times.
During the high-speed chase, Pawlowski drove through a fence and went airborne before coming to rest partially on the shoulder of I-29. He then fled on foot back toward Grand Forks, where he was eventually apprehended by police officers assisted by deputy sheriffs.
After his arrest, authorities found drugs and paraphernalia in Pawlowski’s car. The reckless endangerment charges against him were related to showing extreme indifference during the pursuit.
Pawlowski has been considered a habitual offender since previously reported by local media outlets. He was granted a plea agreement that would allow him to serve three years in prison, with credit for 225 days served. Upon release, he will be on supervised probation for two years. The remaining seven years of his sentence are suspended pending good behavior during the next two years.