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A Minot man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a four-car crash and subsequent police chase that occurred in June.
Chas Adam Merren, 34, entered his change of plea in district court in Minot on Aug. 23 before Judge Richard Hagar, pleading guilty to fleeing a peace officer in vehicle-risk of death or serious injury, a Class C felony; DUI refusal-fourth or subsequent offense in 15 years, a Class C felony; and duty in accident involving death or injury-personal injury, a Class A misdemeanor.
According to court records, Minot Police had initiated a pursuit of Merren's vehicle after receiving reports of a vehicle driving at speeds nearing 90 mph on North Broadway. Officers terminated the pursuit as the vehicle traveled into Minot. Merren continued traveling at high speed within the city and became involved in a four-vehicle collision near University Avenue and North Broadway. Merren fled the scene following the accident and reportedly scuffled with Minot Police and a Ward County deputy as he was being detained.
Hagar sentenced Merren to five years in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for fleeing a peace officer and will be required to serve one year and three months and receive credit for 67 days already served. Merren also be required to complete two years of supervised probation and pay $1,100 in assessed fines and fees.
Merren was also assessed a concurrent sentence for the DUI refusal of one year and three months in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation with credit for 67 days already served. Along with two years of supervised probation, Merren is also required to enroll in a 24/7 Sobriety Program and complete a chemical dependency evaluation, and to pay $2,000 in state fines and fees.
Merren was sentenced to a concurrent 360 days in the Ward Count Jail for the Class A misdemeanor, first serve 180 days with credit for 67 days already served. Merren was also sentenced to two years of supervised probation.