Grand Forks, (NDHP) – On November 1, 2017,  at approximately 3:35 pm, a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a Pontiac Grand Am on Interstate 29 near ND Highway 200 pursuant to a gas drive-off complaint from Hillsboro, ND.

The vehicle’s driver fled west on Hwy 200, and the trooper pursued. The Pontiac fled onto gravel roads in Traill County before returning to Interstate 29 and driving south into Cass County. Tire deflation devices were deployed, flattening two of the suspect vehicle’s tires, and the vehicle again left Interstate 29 for gravel roads. Approximately two miles west of Harwood, NDHP troopers employed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, forcing the fleeing vehicle to stop at about 4:20 pm. Top speeds had reached approximately 105 mph.

During the pursuit officers learned the vehicle was stolen. The driver, 36 year old Thomas Hibpshman, Jr., of West Fargo, ND, was arrested without further incident for possession of stolen property, fleeing law enforcement, driving with a suspended driver’s license, theft of fuel, and outstanding warrants. Charges are pending for the 32-year old female passenger.

Troopers were assisted by deputies from the Traill County Sheriff’s Office and Cass County Sheriff’s Office. No officers, suspects, or citizens sustained any injuries during the pursuit.