Local News
North Dakota I-29 Wrong-Way Driver Arrested After Midnight
Motorists reported a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on I 29 shortly after midnight.
By Country Herald Consumer Safety Desk · 2026-09-10T22:08:26.370Z
Grand Forks, ND A wrong way driving incident on Interstate 29 north of Grand Forks ended with an arrest early Thursday after motorists reported a vehicle traveling southbound in the highway& 39;s northbound lanes.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, motorists began reporting the wrong way vehicle shortly after midnight Thursday near mile marker 171 on I 29, north of Grand Forks.
Authorities said the vehicle eventually came to a stop in the median, allowing troopers to investigate before a potentially serious crash occurred.
During the investigation, troopers allegedly observed open containers inside the vehicle. The Highway Patrol said one of those containers was a beer bottle found wedged behind the brake pedal.
The driver then failed field sobriety tests, according to authorities. Troopers arrested the driver on suspicion of DUI APC, or actual physical control, along with APC refusal.
The Highway Patrol did not identify the driver in its initial public statement. No injuries or collisions were reported in connection with the incident.
Officials credited motorists who quickly reported the wrong way vehicle with helping law enforcement respond in a timely manner.
Wrong way driving can create an especially dangerous situation on an interstate because approaching motorists may have little time to recognize and avoid an oncoming vehicle.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol urged anyone who encounters a wrong way driver to immediately call 911 and provide dispatchers with the location and direction of travel when it can be done safely.
The incident remained under investigation Thursday.