Bismarck, ND – A late-night traffic stop in Burleigh County escalated into a foot chase Thursday, October 2, after a driver fled from North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers and crashed near downtown Bismarck.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the incident began around 11:42 p.m. when a trooper stopped a Hyundai Sonata for a traffic violation near State Street and Interstate Avenue. Authorities say the driver sped away during the stop, prompting a short pursuit.
The vehicle lost control and crashed at the curve of Boulevard Avenue and State Street. The driver then ran from the scene. Despite an area search, law enforcement was unable to locate the suspect.
A subsequent search of the crashed vehicle uncovered a stolen handgun and drug paraphernalia, investigators reported. The driver has since been identified as Whitney Bagola, 31, of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Authorities say the incident remains under investigation, and no injuries were reported in connection with the crash.
Residents in the area may have noticed a heightened law enforcement presence late Thursday night as officers searched near the crash site. The Highway Patrol has not released further details on whether Bagola faces charges related to the firearm and drug items found in the vehicle.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol urges anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to contact local law enforcement.
