UPDATE: Multi-agency pursuit ends in crash in downtown Minot

UPDATE (2/26 at 2 p.m.): Individuals identified in multi-agency pursuit

UPDATE (2/25 at 2 p.m.): The Ward County Sheriff’s Department has released more information on the multi-agency pursuit Saturday morning that ended in a crash in downtown Minot.

A release from Ward County Capt. Jason Kraft indicates that deputies joined colleagues from McLean County in pursuing a motorist fleeing from McLean County into Ward County on Highway 83 around 7:40 a.m.

Kraft said a deputy tried to deploy a tire deflation device in the 5400 block of Highway 83, at which point the driver turned in the direction of the deputy and tried to run him over.

Kraft said the deputy was able to jump out of the way and fired two rounds at the vehicle.

The release indicates that the driver fled into Minot and struck three law enforcement vehicles — two from McLean County and one from Ward County — before the pursuit ended near the intersection of 3rd Street and 1st Avenue SE. A McLean County deputy also discharged their firearm.

“When it hits that high of a level where they’re literally going to run law enforcement over, the risk level goes so high that they need to do everything in their power to shut that high risk down,” said McLean County Sheriff JR Kerzmann.

The identity of the people inside the fleeing vehicle, which had been reported stolen, has not been made public, along with charges filed.

ORIGINAL STORY (2/25 at 12 p.m.): MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – A vehicle pursuit Saturday morning that ended in a crash prompted a shutdown of two streets in downtown Minot and led to multiple vehicles damaged, including at least two sheriff’s department vehicles.

McLean County Sheriff JR Kerzmann told Your News Leader the pursuit of a suspect in a reported stolen vehicle began in Underwood shortly after 7:30 a.m.

The pursuit entered Ward County and, according to Kerzmann, at one point the driver attempted to run over a Ward County deputy while evading authorities.

The pursuit entered downtown Minot, and law enforcement attempted to box the suspect in along 1st Avenue SE, before the pursuit ended along 3rd Street SE, near the railroad tracks.

Kerzmann said two of his deputies suffered minor leg injuries in attempts to box the suspect in, and have since been treated and released.

Both streets were taped off Saturday morning while authorities investigated and worked to clear the scene. At least two McLean County Sheriff’s Department vehicles, as well as the vehicle pursued, had considerable front-end damage.

Ward County Sheriff Bob Roed said none of his deputies were injured, and his department would be releasing more information on the incident later Saturday.

Minot Police said the suspect suffered minor injuries and is in custody.

Kerzmann said the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is also working the case.

Minot Police assisted the sheriff’s departments in attending to the crash sites.

This is a developing story. Your News Leader will update as we learn more.

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