August 19, 2015

Killdeer man faces handful of charges after high-speed chase

By Amy Robinson
Farmer Staff Writer

A Killdeer man is facing a slew of charges, including three felonies, after accelerating his vehicle at officers and leading them on a high-speed chase for 25 miles.
Just after midnight on Aug. 9, McKenzie County Sheriff’s deputies received a report of vehicles at the Arnegard Dam after its closing hour of 11 p.m. After deputies responded, they located a blue 2001 Dodge Ram just north of the main road in the grass at the Arnegard Dam.
The deputies approached the vehicle to speak with the driver, identified as Robert Cox of Killdeer, age 41. One of the deputies instructed Cox to show him his hands. Cox did this once and then put his hands back down. Cox was asked to put his hands back up. At this point, Cox started his vehicle, revved the engine, and put the vehicle in drive.
The vehicle accelerated and turned at a high rate of speed, according to deputies. The two deputies at the scene had to move out of the way to avoid being hit by Cox’s truck. According to the court affidavit, the vehicle passed within a foot of the deputies as it left the dam.
The deputies then activated their emergency lights and began to pursue Cox, who was going northbound on 135th Avenue NW. The pursuit led deputies through the small town of Rawson at a high rate of speed. Cox then crossed U.S. Highway 85, running the stop sign and narrowly missing two semis traveling in opposite directions on the highway.
The pursuit ended at 1301 141st Avenue NW after a 25-mile chase by law enforcement. Cox then ran from the vehicle into a building and out the rear door of the building. Cox was later located hiding under a large bush behind a row of trees by a K-9 unit.
Cox did not put his hands behind his back and resisted the deputies while they were trying to arrest him. The deputies had to use knee and hand strikes, and ultimately deployed a Taser in order to handcuff Cox after several verbal commands were not followed. Cox stated to deputies that he ran because he thought they were going to shoot his dog.
Cox has been charged with Reckless Endangerment, a Class C Felony; Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer, a Class C Felony; Preventing Arrest or Discharge of Other Duties, a Class C Felony; and Reckless Driving, a Class A Misdemeanor. His bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety and his next court hearing is a Preliminary Hearing and/or Arraignment on Sept. 24, at 8:30 a.m.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER