DASHCAM: Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends In HORRIFIC & DEADLY Head On Collision With Tractor Trailer

What: Two vehicle fatal crash

Where: I-29 MM 98

When: May 19th, 2021 at approximately 11:29 am

Road Conditions: Dry

Weather Conditions: Clear

Type of Crash: Two vehicle head on crash in a construction zone

Agencies Involved: NDHP, Grand Forks SO, Traill SO, Hillsboro FD, Hillsboro Ambulance, FM Ambulance, NDDOT

Vehicle No. 1: 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix – stolen from Grand Forks on May 19th, 2021

Driver No. 1: Randy Cole, no permanent address, 31 YOA male - deceased

Restraints: Not belted

Charges: N/A

Passenger No. 1: Elena Fladeland, no permanent address, 24 YOA female, unrestrained – injured and transported to Sanford Hospital in Fargo by FM Ambulance

Vehicle No. 2: 2017 Kenworth towing a van trailer

Driver No. 2: Amirtpal Singh, 24 YOA male, Winnipeg, MB – minor injuries and transported by Hillsboro Ambulance to the Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center – treated and
released

Restraints: Restrained – lap and shoulder belt

Charges: None

On May 19th, 2021, the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office located a stolen 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix traveling southbound on I-29 in the Thompson area. A Grand Forks County Deputy attempted to stop the stolen Pontiac and the driver fled that traffic stop.

A pursuit was initiated by the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, southbound on I-29. When the pursuit entered Traill County, the Traill County Sheriff’s Office responded and set up spike strips near MM 105, north of Hillsboro on I-29.

The Pontiac drove over these spike strips, disabling two tires on the vehicle. The Pontiac continued to flee southbound on I-29, eventually entering a construction zone south of
Hillsboro near MM 101.

This construction zone has I-29 north and southbound traffic traveling head to head in the southbound lanes of I-29. The northbound lanes are under construction.

Near MM 98, the Pontiac crossed the center line and struck the northbound Kenworth head on. The collision caused the Kenworth to veer of the roadway to the right, with the Kenworth crossing the median and coming to rest, upright in the northbound lanes under construction. The Pontiac came to rest across the southbound roadway, facing east, upright.

Cole was pronounced dead on scene. Fladeland was transported to Sanford Hospital in Fargo for serious injuries. Neither occupant was restrained. Singh was transported to the Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

The Grand Forks Police Department is investigating the stolen vehicle incident involving the Pontiac. The Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office initiated the pursuit and were the primary agency involved until the crash occurred. The NDHP is investigating the fatal crash.

I-29 was closed for approximately 3 ½ hrs while the crash scene was investigated. Traffic was diverted at Exit 92 and 100 to Co. Rd. 81 to bypass the closed roadway.