Warroad, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Warroad man is facing a felony charge after a high-speed chase early Saturday morning, according to a criminal complaint filed in Roseau County.
Court records identify the defendant as Jasiel Fernandez, 23, of Warroad. Prosecutors charged Fernandez with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. The case was filed in Roseau County District Court.
According to the complaint, a deputy was on patrol around 4 a.m. on March 14, 2026. The deputy was traveling west on State Highway 11 near County Road 129. The deputy then saw a black Dodge Charger moving at 97 miles per hour.
Traffic stop attempt
The complaint says the deputy turned around and tried to catch the car. But the vehicle kept pulling away. The deputy followed for about five miles. During that time, the car stayed about a mile ahead.
Authorities said the vehicle then headed toward Warroad. A Warroad police officer set up west of the city. The officer then clocked the Charger at 105 miles per hour. Police said the driver still did not stop.
Investigators said the driver went into Warroad and was later tracked to the Circle K on Lake Street Northwest. Officers found the black Dodge Charger parked there with its lights still on.
What investigators say happened next
Inside the store, a worker told officers the suspect had gone into the cooler area, the complaint says. Officers did not find him there. The worker then directed them to another area near the front counter.
Police said they found Fernandez wearing a black Circle K beanie. According to the complaint, Fernandez first denied he was the driver. The complaint later says he admitted he had been speeding. It also says he admitted seeing emergency lights.
A store employee told police that Fernandez ran into the business after the squad cars arrived. The complaint also says the employee reported Fernandez asked him to say he had been there all night.
Investigators said store video showed Fernandez going through an employee door, entering the cooler, and then moving back toward the front of the store before officers found him.
Case status
The felony charge was filed under Minnesota Statute 609.487, which covers fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
The complaint states what investigators believe happened. It is not a conviction. The case is now pending in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.