Mandan  (NDHP)   –  On Monday, Dec. 10 at 12:45 p.m., Mandan PD reported a tow truck was stolen within Mandan city limits. A North Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper located the stolen truck on I-94 in the Bismarck/Mandan area and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

The driver of the stolen truck failed to stop and fled east on I-94. The suspect then turned south at exit 176 in the McKenzie area. In a further attempt to elude officers, the suspect drove the tow truck off the road into a field. Officers initially lost sight of the vehicle but located it a short time later in a large slough southwest of McKenzie.

The NDHP aircraft and a Burleigh County Sheriffs Department drone were utilized to locate and monitor the suspect as officers closed in to his location. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, fleeing, reckless driving, and driving under suspension.