West Fargo Police Chief Pete Nielsen interviewed by Jay Thomas
WEST FARGO, N.D. – West Fargo Police has chased 11 vehicles this year for taking off during traffic stops and the department has a plan to stop drivers from considering doing it.
The department is seizing vehicles involved in pursuits. Chief Pete Nielsen says since they are used during a felony, the department can impound the vehicle. Once the driver is found guilty, the city will take ownership of it and sell it at auction. He adds if the driver has a loan on the vehicle less than what it’s worth, the city will sell it and keep the rest of the money. Nielsen says if the vehicle doesn’t belong to the driver, the department will take that under consideration. However, since the vehicle was used in a crime, Nielsen says the owner must have a compelling argument to get it back.
Nielsen says a high percentage of drivers who flee traffic stops in his city aren’t from West Fargo and have felony warrants, drugs in the car or are selling drugs.
“There’s got to be a change. I don’t want our officers pursuing these individuals. I want them to pull over like 99 percent of the drivers we pull over,” Nielsen explained.
Chief Nilsen says his department has seized four or five vehicles this year.
