Mahnomen: Beltrami Man Charged In Police Chase
Mahnomen County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Beltrami man is facing felony and traffic charges after an alleged police chase in Mahnomen County.
Ryan Daniel Melby, of Beltrami, has been charged in Mahnomen County District Court. The case was filed in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.
Court records say the charges stem from an incident on May 9, 2026. The complaint says the incident happened shortly before 1:30 p.m. in Mahnomen.
Traffic Stop Attempt Reported
According to the criminal complaint, a White Earth Police Department officer saw a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier leave a gas station near State Highway 200. The complaint says the vehicle had no rear license plate.
The officer followed the vehicle onto U.S. Highway 59. Court documents say the vehicle was later clocked at 73 mph. The posted speed limit in that area was 60 mph.
The officer then activated emergency lights for a traffic stop. The complaint says the vehicle did not stop. Instead, it turned onto 150th Street and began speeding away.
Charges Filed In Mahnomen County
The complaint says the vehicle continued for about one to one-and-a-half miles. It then pulled over.
Authorities identified the driver as Ryan Daniel Melby. Court records say Melby admitted he fled because he “panicked.” He also called the decision a “stupid idea,” according to the complaint.
Melby was arrested after the stop. The complaint says his driver’s license had been revoked at the time.
Melby is charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. Under Minnesota Statute 609.487, the charge carries a maximum sentence of three years and one day in prison. It may also carry a fine of up to $5,000.
He is also charged with driving after revocation. That charge is listed under Minnesota Statute 171.24.
A third count accuses Melby of speeding. That count is listed under Minnesota Statute 169.14.
Court Case Pending
The case is filed under Mahnomen County Court File No. 44-CR-26-271. A complaint is only an allegation. Melby is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Additional case information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.