Grand Forks County, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — The North Dakota Highway Patrol released new details about a deadly incident on Interstate 29 Friday evening.
What NDHP says happened
NDHP said dispatch received a 911 call at 5:39 p.m. on January 2, 2026.
The caller reported an erratic driver in Grand Forks County.
A trooper located the vehicle south of Grand Forks near mile marker 138 on I-29.
NDHP said the vehicle stopped before the trooper activated the red and blue lights.
The trooper approached and asked the driver to exit the vehicle.
NDHP said the driver refused and then fled in the vehicle.
The trooper pursued the vehicle for about one mile, NDHP said.
During the pursuit, the vehicle became stuck in the median.
NDHP said the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
NDHP described the death as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Traffic impact on I-29
NDHP said I-29 was shut down at 6:00 p.m.
The road reopened to one lane at 6:20 p.m., according to NDHP.
Drivers can check road updates through North Dakota 511.
Agencies on scene
NDHP said several agencies responded to the scene.
They included the Grand Forks Police Department.
They also included the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office.
NDHP said the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting.
The BCI works under the state Attorney General’s office.
More information about BCI support work is posted online by the North Dakota Attorney General.
NDHP said no law enforcement officers fired their weapons during this incident.
NDHP said no additional information was available Friday night.
If you or someone you know needs help
If you are having thoughts of self-harm, help is available.
You can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.