Robert Richard Herkenratt, 64, of Moorhead, is charged in Clay County District Court with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, felony fifth-degree drug possession, and gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation.<\/p>\n
The charges stem from an incident reported on July 9, 2026, in Clay County.<\/p>\n
Traffic Stop Turns Into Pursuit<\/h2>\n
According to court documents, deputies were patrolling the 2000 block of Highway 9 when they saw a white passenger vehicle traveling north.<\/p>\n
Authorities say the vehicle had an expired registration dating back to December 2025.<\/p>\n
A traffic stop was attempted, but the driver allegedly did not stop.<\/p>\n
Court records state the vehicle continued traveling at about 58 miles per hour while emergency lights and sirens were activated.<\/p>\n
Officials say the driver swerved within the lane during the pursuit.<\/p>\n
The complaint states that a substance was thrown from the vehicle and struck the squad vehicle.<\/p>\n
Investigators later recovered the substance from the roadway.<\/p>\n
Field testing indicated the substance was methamphetamine, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Robert](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/HERKENRATT-ROBERT-RICHARD.jpg\")
Robert Richard Herkenratt<\/p>\n<\/div>\nVehicle Stopped After Pursuit<\/h2>\n
The complaint states the vehicle slowed but continued moving after the attempted stop.<\/p>\n
Authorities reported using a precision immobilization technique, also known as a PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The driver was identified as Robert Richard Herkenratt.<\/p>\n
Court records state Herkenratt was taken into custody without further incident.<\/p>\n
Officials say his driver\u2019s license status was listed as canceled for public safety reasons.<\/p>\n
The complaint also states that he had an outstanding warrant from Becker County.<\/p>\n
Drug Evidence Alleged<\/h2>\n
Following the arrest, authorities say a clear plastic baggie containing a crystal-like substance was found.<\/p>\n
A drug detection dog was used during a vehicle search, according to court documents.<\/p>\n
Investigators reported finding drug-related items and paraphernalia inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The suspected methamphetamine recovered from the incident was reported to weigh 4.8 grams.<\/p>\n
Herkenratt faces a possible prison sentence if convicted on the felony charges.<\/p>\n
Fifth-degree drug possession carries a possible maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.<\/p>\n
Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle carries a possible sentence of up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.<\/p>\n
The charges are allegations, and Herkenratt is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
More information about Minnesota court records is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n