Fleeing motorist involved in fatal crash in Williston

(Williston, ND) -- Authorities in northwestern North Dakota are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday morning in the City of Williston. The crash occurred minutes after an officer attempted a traffic stop.

The Williston Police Department said that, at 11:41 a.m. Tuesday, an officer with the department attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the motorcycle in the 1600 block of 26th Street West. The driver refused to halt and began to flee, and was observed driving recklessly at high rates of speed and attempting to pass cars in the wrong lane of travel.

The officer and their supervisor, due to unsafe driving conditions, terminated the pursuit.

According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle, driven by an 18-year-old Williston man, was northbound on University Avenue in Williston. A 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by a 51-year-old Williston female, was westbound on a private driveway when she made a left turn onto University Avenue.

While the Chevrolet was turning left, it was struck by the motorcycle on the front driver side quarter panel.

The driver of the Chevrolet was transported, by ambulance, to CHI St. Alexius Health-Williston for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the motorcycle was transported, by ambulance, to CHI St. Alexius Health-Williston, where he was pronounced deceased.

The crash is under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.