NDHP – On January 7, 2025, at approximately 1:53 PM, Highway Patrol troopers in
the Bismarck area assisted the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department in pursuit of a fleeing
vehicle.

The incident began when Burleigh County deputies contacted the driver who was parked at the
Bismarck Impound Lot. The driver fled from the stop after she was informed she had a
suspended driver’s license. Deputies pursued the 1989 Buick LeSabre westbound on I-94. As the
pursuit continued westbound into Morton County, Highway Patrol troopers assumed control.
The driver’s erratic behavior included swerving between lanes and fluctuating speeds ranging
from 60 to 100 mph. The driver was suspected of being impaired.

Troopers positioned spike strips near New Salem, however, the suspect made a sudden U-turn in
the median and began traveling eastbound toward Bismarck.
Troopers attempted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, but the fleeing vehicle
was able to continue eastbound. Spike strips were deployed near Exit 140, deflating three of the
four tires on the suspect’s vehicle.

The suspect’s vehicle entered the median, striking multiple crash cushion barrels before
colliding with a concrete bridge support. Law enforcement officers on scene immediately
rendered aid to the driver, who sustained serious injuries. Metro Area Ambulance transported the driver to Sanford Hospital.

The suspect, identified as a female driver, was placed under arrest at the hospital for Driving
Under the Influence of Alcohol, Fleeing a Police Officer, and Driving while License Suspended.
Her name will be released pending formal charges.

Driver was identified as Tara Engesser (47 yr old – Bismarck, ND)