By admin GRAND FORKS — On Monday, Oct. 14, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison, of which he initially served three years, for eight criminal charges, including fleeing from law enforcement in the city and county of Grand Forks.
Benjamin Mikkel Pawlowski, 30, pleaded guilty to six Class C felonies: reckless endangerment showing extreme indifference, fleeing from a police officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft and driving under the influence of drugs.
He also pleaded guilty to two Class B misdemeanors for driving while suspended and refusing to stop.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, Pawlowski stole merchandise valued at $347.88 from the Target store on March 3 and then fled from law enforcement.
Both Grand Forks police and Grand Forks County deputies were involved in the pursuit, according to a press release issued shortly after the incident.
According to the release, during the pursuit, Pawlowski drove through a fence and became airborne before coming to a partial stop on the shoulder of I-29.
He then fled on foot back toward Grand Forks. A police officer found him and, with the help of a deputy, he was arrested.
The release said the pursuit lasted five miles, with no additional traffic and speeds ranging from about 70 mph to more than 100 mph.
According to the statement, after the arrest, drugs and paraphernalia were found in Pawłowski’s car.
Pawłowski – as The Herald previously reported – considered a habitual criminal – obtained a plea deal that allowed him to serve three years in prison. He has credit for 225 days of service.
After his release, he will be under supervision for two years.
Sav Kelly joined the Grand Forks Herald in August 2022.
Kelly covers public safety, including regional crime and the justice system.
Readers can contact Kelly at (701) 780-1102 or [email protected].