A Mandan man sent area law enforcement on a high-speed chase east of Dickinson Friday morning.
Capt. Stewart Stenberg of the Dickinson Police Department said the department received a call for assistance from Todd Strom of Jeff's Towing in Dickinson at approximately 8 a.m.
Strom reported Duane Lee Zimmerman, 60, entered the business while brandishing a pair of buck knifes. When Strom inquired as to what he could do to assist Zimmerman, Zimmerman took an aggressive stance toward Strom.
There was no verbal communication between the two individuals, Stenberg said. It is uncertain what Zimmerman's motive or reason was for being at Jeff's Towing, Stenberg said.
Strom left the building when Zimmerman began to walk toward him. Strom observed Zimmerman leave the business and travel east on West Villard.
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A traffic stop involving Zimmerman's vehicle with two police units then followed on East Villard. As the officers stepped from their vehicles to approach Zimmerman's vehicle, Zimmerman accelerated and fled.
Police units pursued Zimmerman to the east Interstate 94 exit and onto the interstate where the chase continued at speeds between 90-100 mph.
The Dickinson Police Department called for assistance from the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Stark County Sheriff's Department. Units from these agencies responded and took charge of the pursuit, Stenberg said. The Morton County Sheriff's Department also responded near the Hebron area and set out road spikes.
Zimmerman passed over the spikes, disabling two of his tires. He continued to flee eastbound, driving on two flat tires and rims.
Zimmerman turned off the interstate at the New Salem exit where he was apprehended by law enforcement. He is currently being held by Morton County officials on Class C felony charges of terrorizing and reckless endangerment.
The criminal complaint from the Southwest Judicial District states Zimmerman drove on the East Business Loop in Dickinson at speeds in excess of 70 mph and also drove his vehicle into oncoming traffic. There were no injuries reported as a result of the chase.
The complaint also states Zimmerman threatened to commit any crime of violence or act dangerous to human life by brandishing the pair of buck knives and holding them in a threatening manner.
An arraignment hearing date in Stark County has not yet been set. It is uncertain if Zimmerman has a prior criminal record, Stenberg said.
