Dickinson, ND (April 8th, 2024): A brief vehicle pursuit and subsequent standoff with the driver created traffic issues late Monday afternoon near Interstate 94 Exit 61 in Dickinson.
Police had initially been searching for a white GMC Sierra pickup in connection with a string of overnight burglaries in the Dickinson area. Detectives believed the pickup had been at or near the scene of burglaries.
Around 3:25 P.M., a Dickinson PD officer located the pickup in the 2100 block of 6th Avenue West and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver, however, fled southbound and turned into the parking lot near Astoria Hotel. The driver then tried to elude police by crashing through a chain link fence and traveling down an embankment towards Interstate 94. Before the pickup could reach the Interstate, it became stuck in the ditch.
A standoff lasting approximately 30 minutes ensued. The vehicle’s dark window tint prohibited officers from seeing inside the pickup. Out of an abundance of caution, officers remained at a distance and eventually made contact with the driver by phone. After a brief negotiation, the driver exited the vehicle and was placed into custody without incident.
The driver, 33-year-old GEORGE ROSS HANNA of Dickinson, was transported to St. Alexius Hospital in Dickinson for medical clearance and ultimately to the Southwest Multi-County Correctional Center. He is currently facing charges of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer and Reckless Driving.
The burglary cases remain an active investigation at this time. Charges may be added or amended as the investigation progresses.
We would like to thank the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the North Dakota Bureau of Investigations, the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dickinson Ambulance Service for their assistance.