Grand Forks County: Suspect Arrested After Late-Night Chase
GRAND FORKS COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — A suspect is behind bars following a high-speed pursuit north of Grand Forks on Monday night. The chase began after deputies attempted to stop a driver wanted on felony warrants and for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
According to the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit started around 8:19 p.m. near the Gateway Drive frontage road and North 48th Street. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the suspect fled, leading officers on a 5.5-mile chase through the area.
Deputies deployed spike strips north of Grand Forks, successfully deflating the front tires of the fleeing vehicle. Despite the damage, the suspect continued to drive before deputies used a pursuit immobilization technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, to bring the chase to an end.
The driver, identified as Derek Todd Myrvik, 34, was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities said Myrvik is facing several pending charges, including fleeing law enforcement, DUI, DUI refusal, tampering with evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana over a half ounce, and driving while suspended.
No injuries were reported during the pursuit, though one patrol vehicle sustained minor damage. Myrvik was booked into the Grand Forks County Correctional Center pending formal charges.
The sheriff’s office credited the coordinated response and quick deployment of spike strips for safely ending the pursuit. They also reminded the public that fleeing law enforcement and driving impaired carry serious legal consequences under North Dakota traffic laws.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
