Jamestown  (CSi)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports that on Wednesday, Dec 20,  about 12:17-p.m. a NDHP Trooper attempted to stop a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado for speeding, westbound I-94 about 15 miles east of Jamestown.

Captain Bryan Niewind reports, the Silverado fled from the trooper westbound at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour before exiting I-94 at exit 272 and traveling north on the gravel Barnes County roadway.  A short distance north of the exit ramp, the Silverado came to a stop.  As the trooper approached the vehicle, the Silverado fled again northbound on the gravel county road.  The Silverado fled north three more miles before crossing railroad tracks and coming to a stop near an intersection close to the railroad tracks.

The trooper stopped his patrol car prior to the railroad tracks to await back-up and to observe the driver of the Silverado.  Seconds later, the Silverado accelerated rearward at a high rate of speed toward the trooper’s vehicle.  Shortly after crossing the tracks, the Silverado veered toward the trooper’s patrol vehicle.  The trooper evaded a collision by backing onto a nearby approach.  The Silverado slid into the ditch filled with snow and became stuck.

A short time later, the driver of the Silverado was arrested without further incident.  The driver was Levi David Thene, 29 YOA, from West Fargo, ND.  Thene was charged with the following:  Felony Reckless Endangerment and Misdemeanor Fleeing A Police Officer, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Unlawful Display of License Plates.  Thene is currently in custody at the Stutsman County Correctional Center.

The NDHP was assisted on scene by deputies from the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.