25-Year-Old Fargo Man Facing Nine Charges After Leading Highway Patrol Trooper On Chase

Elijah Hunter Belgarde was charged in Grand Forks County District Court. He appeared for an initial hearing Monday and is currently in custody.

A trooper was patrolling at around 7:40 a.m on the eastbound side of Highway 2. The trooper saw a vehicle with no license plates and an unregistered temporary tag. When he tried to make a traffic stop, the vehicle pulled over for a short time before eventually speeding away.

The vehicle drove more than 100 mph before Belgarde stopped near mile marker 322. Belgarde was in the car with both a female passenger and an infant in a car seat.

Passengers told the trooper that Belgarde was when the trooper first attempted the stop and that he pulled over to try to get someone to switch seats with him so he wouldn’t be seen as the driver. He fled when they refused.

Belgarde also admitted to smoking meth before leaving Fargo that morning. He failed multiple field sobriety tests and also refused to take a chemical test.

A search of the vehicle found methamphetamine, five oxycodone pills, marijuana wax, drug supplies, and a fake $100 bill.

Belgarde faces the following charges. He is facing a felony for fleeing a peace officer, felony for reckless endangerment with extreme indifference, felony unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor DUI, drugs, misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a Schedule II opiate, misdemeanor DUI refusal, and infraction-level possession of THC and marijuana paraphernalia.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24.

Belgarde originally denied being the driver, but then admitted it after the trooper said he saw him in the driver’s seat. He told investigators he fled because he was aware that he had an outstanding warrant, and a records check confirmed he had an active warrant out of Fargo. He had a warrant for domestic violence, aggravated assault, and felonious restraint.