Man Faces 11 Charges After Vehicle Chase
Herman Munoz Esparaza of Minot, N.D., is facing 11 charges including three felony charges after a vehicle chase that went from Wolf Point to Valley County on Aug. 27.
The felony charges are criminal possession of dangerous drugs (meth) with the intent to distribute, criminal possession of dangerous drugs (heroin) and use or possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture.
Misdemeanor charges include criminal endangerment, two counts of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing or eluding a peace officer, reckless driving, speeding, driving with a valid drivers license and not displaying a license plate.
Esparaza is scheduled to make his initial appearance in district court on Sept. 15. Bond has been set at $100,000.
According to court documents, law enforcement observed a Pontiac Grand Priz heading west on U.S. Highway 2, and the vehicle didn’t have a front license plate visible. After the vehicle came to a complete stop, the officer exited the patrol car. The Pontiac, driven by Esparaza, then took off at a high rate of speed into the Town Pump parking lot. The vehicle continued west, reaching speeds in excess of 95 miles per hour.
The vehicle continued on Highway 2 with speeds at 90-100 miles per hour. According to court documents, the vehicle traveled in the incorrect lane multiple times and forcing multiple vehicles, which were traveling east, off the road.
The Glasgow Police Department was advised of the situation. The vehicle was successfully stopped near mile marker 564 on Highway 2 in Valley County.
Esparaza had $1,850 in cash. According to court documents, he admitted the cash came from drug sales. A silver knife had residue that tested positive for heroin. Also found were 2.42 grams of suspected meth, a syringe cap and a small plastic case. Drug paraphernalia and presumptive positive meth were located under the center console. Esparaza said there was “half a pound” of meth in the console.
When law enforcement searched his hotel room, they discovered two black boards with meth residue, a card with heroin residue, a green bag with meth residue along with other items.
