A Bismarck man was sentenced to 80 days of time served after entering a change of plea to guilty to theft and possession of a controlled substance.

Bridger Michael Watson, 22, Bismarck, entered his change of plea on Friday as part of a plea agreement with Ward County prosecutors. Watson pleaded guilty to one Class C felony theft-take-$1,000-$10,000, and possession of controlled substance-methamphetamine, a Class A misdemeanor.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, a Minot Police officer was on patrol traveling west on east Burdick Expressway on Sept. 29, 2024, when the officer observed a vehicle parked in the parking lot of Roosevelt Zoo. A man was outside the vehicle engaging with the driver, who pulled out of the parking spot, nearly striking the pedestrian and knocking over his scooter.

The man waved the officer down, who observed the vehicle’s license plate matched one reported as stolen earlier that day. The officer conducted a traffic stop before the vehicle left the parking lot, and ordered the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver was later identified as Watson. The owner of the vehicle was contacted, who said they did not know Watson. A search of the vehicle found a piece of paper containing a small black rock like substance which was determined to be methamphetamine residue known as “crack back.”

Judge Todd Cresap sentenced Watson to five years with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, to first serve 80 days with credit for 80 days served. Watson was ordered to complete two years of supervised probation, and to have no contact with and not go within 100 feet of the victim’s residence.

Watson was also assessed $825 in court fines and fees.