BISMARCK – Over the past two weekends, the North Dakota Highway Patrol led multi-agency enforcement aerial details in Williston and Fargo, according to Highway Patrol information.

The enforcements use aircraft and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology to locate reckless drivers who have fled law enforcement. Utilization of the aircraft allows officers to discontinue ground pursuit and turn over the incident to the aerial team who track them to a stopped location where officers on the ground can initiate personal contact with the fleeing drivers.

The Williston detail was conducted on May 23. One motorcyclist fled from law enforcement and the aircraft was used to track the driver to a residence where the driver, a 30-year-old male from Williston, was tested for impairment and taken into custody. He was charged with driving under suspension, DUI, fleeing a police officer, reckless driving and driving without liability insurance.

During the aerial detail in Fargo on Friday, the aircraft team followed three fleeing motorcycle drivers who were apprehended and arrested by officers on the ground. Those arrested were all males, ages 24, 22 and 20, from Milnor, Texas and Fargo, respectively. Each faces various charges.

During the Williston enforcement, 39 traffic stops were conducted. Several drivers were tested for impairment and four were arrested for DUI. A total of 15 warnings and 16 citations were issued.