Cass & Richland Counties ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A West Fargo man is facing multiple charges after a high-speed pursuit that crossed several jurisdictions and ended in Fargo early Tuesday morning.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the chase began September 2 at about 1:05 a.m. when a trooper spotted a southbound vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near the Horace exit on I-29. The vehicle, a 1995 Cadillac Seville, was driven by 42-year-old Christopher Pankowski of West Fargo.
Pursuit Across Counties
A Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy was already in pursuit as the Cadillac entered Richland County at 118 mph. NDHP took over the chase, and deputies attempted to deploy spike strips at the Wahpeton exit, but the vehicle avoided them.
The pursuit was re-initiated after a Richland County deputy located the Cadillac traveling recklessly near mile marker 30. NDHP successfully spiked a front tire near mile marker 52, but the vehicle continued north at more than 100 mph. The Cadillac exited onto 52nd Avenue at high speed and drove into Fargo.
Arrest in Fargo
Due to safety concerns, the Highway Patrol ended the pursuit. Fargo Police later located the Cadillac on University Avenue and followed it to an apartment complex at 35th Avenue and 11th Street. The driver fled on foot but was quickly taken into custody by Fargo PD.
Charges Filed
Pankowski faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony fleeing a peace officer
- Felony reckless endangerment
- DUI – drugs
- DUI refusal – first offense
- Driving under suspension
- Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia
- Unlawful display of license plates
- Outstanding felony warrant – Cass County
The case remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
For more on North Dakota Highway Patrol operations, visit the North Dakota Highway Patrol website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
