FARGO, N.D. (NDHP) – 42-year-old Christopher Pankowski of West Fargo is in custody following a pursuit that involved multiple law enforcement agencies in two counties in eastern North Dakota.

According to the news release, on Tuesday, September 2 at approximately 1:05 AM, a North Dakota
Highway Patrol Trooper was traveling northbound on Interstate 29 near mile marker 56 and observed a southbound vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near the Horace exit. A Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy was in active pursuit. Cass County advised the white 1995 Cadillac was traveling at 118 mph as the vehicle entered Richland County. NDHP took over the pursuit and Richland County deputies set up spike strips at the Wahpeton exit but the vehicle exited prior to the exit. The pursuit was re-initiated when a Richland County Sheriff’s deputy located a white Cadillac passenger car near mile marker 30 that was traveling at a high speed and driving recklessly. A traffic stop was initiated but the vehicle fled northbound on I-29. The NDHP deployed spike strips at mile marker 52, successfully spiking the front passenger side tire. An additional NDHP Trooper was stationed at mile marker 54 and the Cadillac passed his location traveling at 100+ mph. The Cadillac took the 52nd Avenue South eastbound exit at 100 mph and traveled east into Fargo, accelerating at a high speed. Due to safety concerns, the NDHP terminated the pursuit.

Meanwhile, the Fargo Police Department located the vehicle on University Drive and followed the Cadillac to an apartment complex at 35th Avenue and 11th Street South in Fargo where the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Fargo police officers located the male driver and took him into custody.

Agencies Involved included the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and Fargo Police Department.

Pankowski is facing several charges including Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia: Misdemeanor Class A, Driving under suspension: Misdemeanor Class B, DUI-Drugs: Misdemeanor Class B, Unlawful display of license plates: Misdemeanor Class B, DUI refusal-1st Offense: Misdemeanor Class B, Fleeing a Peace Officer: Felony Class C, Reckless endangerment, extreme indifference: Felony Class C, and Outstanding felony warrant- Cass County.