NEW SALEM, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) – A high-speed pursuit that began in Bismarck ended in tragedy early Tuesday, September 3, when a Dickinson man was fatally shot after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement officers on Interstate 94 near New Salem.
The incident started around 12:45 a.m. when a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper attempted to pull over a vehicle on North Dakota Highway 1804/University Drive in Bismarck. Instead of stopping, the driver fled westward, leading officers on a chase across the Bismarck Expressway.
As the pursuit intensified, additional troopers and Morton County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined the effort to stop the fleeing vehicle. Spike strips were deployed on I-94, successfully deflating the vehicle’s tires near New Salem. However, the chase took a deadly turn when the driver, a 43-year-old man from Dickinson, opened fire on the officers.
In response, two troopers and a Morton County deputy returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. A woman who was in the car with him was unharmed during the exchange of gunfire.
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is now handling the case, with the involved officers placed on administrative leave pending an investigation and review by the Morton County State’s Attorney.