Bismarck  (CSi)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports, that on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at approximately 10:30 p.m., troopers responded to the call of a male individual, later identified as LeBray Heart, walking on the Expressway bridge in the Mandan area. Heart was found walking on the west bound side of Expressway bridge near the McKenzie Drive overpass. When a trooper attempted to stop and talk with Heart, he fled from the officer. As troopers followed him on foot, they saw he was holding an object up against his neck. It was later discovered the object Heart possessed was a knife.

While fleeing from troopers, Heart ran onto the roadway into oncoming traffic on the McKenzie Drive overpass of Expressway. He stopped for a short period before fleeing again, exiting the overpass area. Heart ran in front of oncoming traffic again on Expressway and was nearly struck by a vehicle.

Mandan Police Department arrived on scene to assist NDHP Troopers. Heart eventually stood still to talk with the officers. He was noncompliant and refused to drop the knife from his hand. Due to Heart’s noncompliance, possession of a knife, and his decision to run into oncoming traffic; a conducted electrical weapon (taser) was deployed to safely gain control of him. The deployment of the taser worked and officers were able to handcuff Heart and take him into custody. He was transported to the Sanford Medical Center by ambulance for observation. Heart was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.

The Bismarck Police Department closed the westbound lanes of Expressway at South Washington Street while the incident was on-going. The roadway was closed for about 45 minutes.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol would like to thank the Mandan Police Department and the Bismarck Police Department for their assistance in helping to safely resolve this situation.