ROLLA – After a lengthy period of avoiding law enforcement his time on the run came to an end with a June 28, 2023, traffic stop near Max. Joshua Forschen, 28, Grand Forks, entered an amended plea of guilty to charges of Leaving Scene of Accident Involving Death/Personal Injury, and Negligent Homicide. The first charge is a class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the latter a class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Judge Anthony Benson sentenced Forschen to the maximum of 5 years in prison for the Negligent Homicide charge, and10 years in prison, all suspended, on the charge of Leaving the Scene of Accident Involving Death/Personal Injury.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Forschen was driving a vehicle that resulted in the death of a seven-year-old on April 17, 2021, at approximately 4:44 p.m. The location was U.S. Highway 281, northbound, near 97th Street NE in Rolette County.
According to an affidavit filed with the court, after striking one of several juveniles crossing the roadway Forschen fled the scene. There were two passengers in his vehicle at the time. The vehicle was later abandoned and located northwest of Dunseith. Reportedly, both passengers confirmed to investigators that they were in the vehicle driven by Forschen when the child was struck.
Forschen was scheduled for trial July 20, which has been cancelled due to the guilty plea entered Monday.
