Jan. 8—GRAND FORKS COUNTY — A Drayton man was ordered Monday, Jan. 6, to serve 180 days for six criminal offenses relating to
an August pursuit with Grand Forks County law enforcement,
during which he struck two of their vehicles.
Shawn Kenneth Bjerke, 56, pleaded guilty to Class B felony methamphetamine possession with intent to deliver, Class C felony drug paraphernalia possession, Class C felony reckless endangerment-extreme indifference, Class C felony fleeing a police officer, Class C felony criminal mischief causing intentional damage between $2,000 and $10,000 and Class A misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs.
A seventh offense, Class A misdemeanor driving under suspension, was dismissed.
At 10:04 p.m. Aug. 18, a Grand Forks police officer was informed that a Traill County pursuit was crossing into Grand Forks, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case. The officer observed the fleeing vehicle failing to stop at stop signs, so they initiated their vehicle’s overhead lights.
The driver — later identified as Bjerke — made no attempts to stop, despite coming straight toward the squad car, so the officer moved out of the way, the affidavit said. The vehicle continued to flee from additional Grand Forks police and county officers who had their vehicles’ overhead lights and sirens activated.
The vehicle reached up to 50 mph on 24th Avenue South and 35 mph on Belmont Road while other vehicles were present. The vehicle’s driver-side front tire was on the rim and wobbling, according to the affidavit.
Bjerke’s vehicle ultimately collided with one sheriff’s office vehicle and struck a GFPD squad car head-on.
Law enforcement found four baggies of a crystal-like substance inside the vehicle, which weighed a total of 46.2 grams and tested positive for methamphetamine. A needle syringe was found in the center console; it was uncapped and filled with a liquid that tested positive for para-methoxy butyryl fentanyl, the affidavit said.
Bjerke was sentenced Monday to 10 years, first serving 180 days. He has credit since his August arrest, leaving him with 39 days to serve. He will also be on supervised probation for three years. A requirement of his probation is that he must successfully complete the Adult Teen Challenge.