Fosston, Polk County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fosston man faces three felony charges. The case follows a high-speed pursuit and a crash, court papers say.
Prosecutors charged Christopher Michael Roragen, 48, of Fosston. The complaint was filed in Polk County District Court. The court file is 60-CR-26-237. The prosecutor’s file is F-26-033.
What deputies say happened
According to the complaint, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper saw a car moving about 30 mph. The area was posted at 55 mph. The trooper also reported a quick turn without a signal.
The complaint says the trooper noticed braking issues. It also says the third brake light did not work. The trooper turned on emergency lights for a traffic stop.
The driver did not stop, the complaint says. The car sped up on a snowy dirt road. The complaint says it passed another vehicle on the right.
The complaint says the chase reached about 90 mph. It also says the car went through a stop sign at U.S. Highway 2. The pursuit then continued on Highway 2.
Crash claim and the end of the chase
A Polk County deputy assisted during the pursuit, the complaint says. The trooper tried to slow the car using patrol tactics, court papers state.
Prosecutors allege Roragen hit the patrol vehicle during the chase. The complaint says the patrol car was sideswiped on the driver’s side. The state says the vehicle was used as a dangerous weapon.
A supervisor later told officers to end the pursuit, the complaint says. Court papers say that the decision came before the chase reached Fosston.
Investigation and arrest
The next day, the trooper went to a home tied to Roragen, the complaint says. The suspected car was a Buick Century, court papers state. Officers found it parked behind the home.
The complaint says the Buick had scuffs and paint transfer. It also says there was damage from a PIT attempt. Officers towed the car, the complaint states.
The vehicle was registered to a woman listed as R.R., the complaint says. She told officers she gave the car to Roragen for mechanical work.
Roragen was later located and arrested, the complaint says. He was advised of his Miranda rights, court papers state. The complaint says he told officers he ran because of a “warrant.”
Charges and resources
Roragen is charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. That charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.487. He is also charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. That count cites Minnesota Statute 609.222.
A third count alleges first-degree criminal damage to property. That charge cites Minnesota Statute 609.595. Court papers also cite pending felony cases and active warrants. The prosecutor filed notice seeking an aggravated sentence.
People can look up public Minnesota court records through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
All charges are allegations. Roragen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.