Michael JW Scott Emerson. (Photo submitted)
While on patrol on Dec. 14, at approximately 9:14 p.m., a McKenzie County Sheriff's Office deputy attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on 4th Ave. NW, Watford City. The vehicle refused to stop and continued westbound, initiating a pursuit.
A PIT maneuver was utilized in a field west of the Prairie View RV Park, however, the suspect vehicle was able to continue fleeing. The suspect vehicle continued driving through the Prairie View RV Park at speeds of 90 mph.
The pursuit continued onto U.S. Highway 85, where the suspect vehicle began traveling northbound. A second PIT maneuver was utilized, making the suspect vehicle spin out. The suspect vehicle struck a McKenzie County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle while attempting to continue fleeing.
As a result of the perceived intentional striking of a patrol vehicle, another deputy with the McKenzie County Sheriff's Office struck the suspect vehicle in the rear. The suspect vehicle was then pushed into the ditch by the two damaged McKenzie County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicles. The driver, Michael JW Scott Emerson, surrendered without further incident.
At approximately 9:38 p.m., the registered owner of the vehicle called 911 to report their vehicle had been stolen while parked near the bars on Main Street in Watford City. The vehicle driven by Emerson was confirmed to be the reported stolen vehicle.
Michael JW Scott Emerson was arrested and transported to the McKenzie County Correctional Facility on the following charges:
-Fleeing while in commission of a felony.
-Theft of a motor vehicle.
-Theft of a firearm (x4)
-Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (x4)
-Reckless Endangerment (extreme indifference)
-Driving Under Suspension (DUS)
We are glad to report that no one sustained injuries during this event. Law Enforcement involved in this event did not have bumper cars on their list of things to do that night, but apparently Emerson did, and lost.
A special thanks to the Watford City Police Department for their assistance in this pursuit, and to the North Dakota Highway Patrol for their expertise on taking the crash report(s) as a result of this event.
*Emerson is innocent until proven guilty.
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