MINOT – The driver of a vehicle involved in one of the wildest car chases ever seen in this city entered guilty pleas to nine separate charges in a North Central District courtroom here Friday.
Joshua Chambers, 18, Minot, was facing multiple felony charges as a result of a car chase that began in McLean County and ended near downtown Minot. Both McLean County and Ward County sheriff’s deputies, along with Minot Police, were involved in the chase that began with a gasoline drive-off in Wilton and reached speeds of up to 96 miles per hour. Chambers was driving a vehicle that was reported to be stolen.
At one point during the chase, according to an affidavit filed with the court, Chambers attempted to drive over a deputy who had placed a tire deflation device on U.S. Highway 83. The deputy, who was knocked over by Chambers’ vehicle, responded by firing two shots from his handgun.
Chambers continued into the City of Minot, striking several vehicles in the process until being rammed by a law enforcement vehicle in the intersection of 3rd Street and 1st Avenue SE. Two male passengers fled the scene but were quickly apprehended. A juvenile female, who sustained a minor bullet wound to her right foot, was taken into custody without incident.
The extensive list of felony charges against Chambers included Attempted Murder, Possession of Controlled Substance in Correctional Facility, three counts of Criminal Mischief-Intentional-Over $10,000, and Reckless Endangerment-Extreme Indifference.
Following his booking into the Ward County Jail, Chambers was recorded on a phone call from the jail in which he stated he “intended to kill the deputy because he was in his way.” Also, reads the affidavit, Chambers was bragging to other jail inmates that he “almost killed a deputy.”
Chambers had 37 points on his North Dakota driver’s license at the time of his arrest. Driver’s licenses are suspended once 12 points are accumulated.
Twelve charges against Chambers were dismissed as part of a plea agreement with the state. Judge Richard Hagar read the nine remaining charges to Chambers and his counsel, David Dusek. One by one. Chambers responded “guilty” to each of them.
The most serious charge is Attempted Murder, a Class A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The total possible prison time on all charges is 55 years.
Hagar ordered a presentence investigation and a psychological, drug, and alcohol evaluation for Chambers. He also ordered Chambers to be held in the Ward County Jail without bond. Sentencing was scheduled for September 29, at 9:30 a.m.
