UPDATE: Fleeing suspect causes multi-vehicle crash in southwest Minot

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – UPDATE: The woman who sustained serious injuries in the crash is now in stable condition, and the suspect is in custody. The story below has been updated to reflect that.

A driver fleeing a stop by Ward County Narcotics Task Force officers caused a three-vehicle crash at a southwest Minot intersection, according to police.

Police said the Task Force was investigating reports of possible drug activity, and when an agent approached an SUV on foot around 10:30 a.m. Friday, the driver fled south on 16th Street.

Investigators said the driver, 37-year-old Rusty James Mason of New Town, crashed into another SUV at the intersection of 37th Avenue SW, causing that vehicle to spin around and strike a third SUV.

A passenger in the first-struck SUV in the intersection, a 71-year-old Bismarck woman, suffered serious injuries, and her driver, a 76-year-old Bismarck man, was treated for minor injuries. The woman is listed as being in stable condition at Trinity Hospital. Two passengers in the backseat of the first-struck SUV, also from Bismarck, were not hurt.

The two adults and a young child in the second-struck SUV were not hurt.

Mason and his two passengers from Parshall, a 34-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were evaluated for injuries at the hospital. Mason was then transported from the hospital to the Ward County Jail.

Mason is charged with possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing a peace officer, and aggravated reckless driving.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be pending.

Copyright 2023 KFYR. All rights reserved.