STATEWIDE, N.D. (NDHP) – Over the past two weekends, the NDHP led multi-agency enforcement aerial
details in Williston and Fargo. This enforcement use aircraft and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology to locate reckless drivers who have fled law enforcement. Utilization of the aircraft allows Officers to discontinue ground pursuit and turn over the incident to the aerial team who track them to a stopped location where officers on the ground can initiate personal contact with the fleeing drivers.

The Williston detail was conducted on Friday, May 23. One motorcyclist fled from law enforcement and the aircraft was used to track the driver to a residence where the driver was tested for impairment and taken into custody.

Male, 30, Williston. Charges: Driving under suspension; DUI; fleeing a police officer; reckless driving; and driving without liability insurance. During the aerial detail in Fargo on Friday, May 30, the aircraft team followed three fleeing motorcycle drivers who were apprehended and arrested by officers on the ground:

Male, 24, Milnor, ND. Charges: Fleeing a police officer; driving without liability insurance; and driving without a proper class license (no M endorsement).

Male, 22, Texas. Charges: Felony reckless endangerment; felony-fleeing a police officer; failure to display plates; no registration; driving without liability insurance; driving without a proper class license (no M endorsement); driving under suspension; possession of THC; and speeding (125 in a 55 zone).

Male, 20, Fargo. Charges: Fleeing a police officer; reckless driving; no registration; driving without liability insurance; possession of THC; and driving without a proper class license (no M endorsement).

During the Williston enforcement, thirty-nine traffic stops were conducted. Several drivers were tested for impairment and four were arrested for DUI. A total of 15 warnings and 16 citations were issued.