Man Fleeing Deputies Broke Into Home With Woman, Child Inside

Jul 15

A 42-year-old man from Arvilla, N.D. is in custody after a vehicle pursuit Monday in Clay County ended with a standoff inside a home and the discovery of a firearm, ammunition and explosive materials.

According to the sheriff’s office, Christopher Ringsrud-Knowels fled from a traffic stop around 60th Avenue South and 14th Street on the morning of July 14.

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When the vehicle was eventually stopped, the driver ran and forced entry into a nearby home, barricading himself inside. A woman and child inside the home were able to safely escape and were assisted by deputies already in the area, the sheriff’s office said.

Because Ringsrud-Knowels was known to law enforcement, the Red River Valley SWAT Team, Bomb Team and Negotiations Team were all called to assist.

During the initial pursuit, deputies reported seeing a black bag thrown from the suspect’s vehicle near the intersection where the pursuit began. The bag was later recovered and safely opened by the bomb team, revealing a firearm and ammunition.

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A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of mortar-style fireworks, which were secured for disposal by the Red River Valley Bomb Team.

Ringsrud-Knowels was arrested and booked into the Clay County Correctional Facility on probable cause felony first-degree burglary, felony fleeing in a motor vehicle, felony ineligible person in possession of a firearm, fleeing on foot, driving without a Minnesota license and expired vehicle registration.

A passenger in the vehicle, identified as 30-year-old Alexandria Lang, of Fargo, was also taken into custody. She is being held on charges of felony aiding an offender and obstructing the legal process.

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