An Indiana man who led police on a high-speed chase in November pleaded guilty Thursday, March 5, to reckless endangerment, possession of methamphetamine and related charges.
Robert Lee Fawley Jr., 46 of Wabash, Ind., was given a three-year prison sentence as part of a plea agreement that presiding Judge Jay Knudson called "very generous." Fawley also was ordered to pay $550 in court fees and to forfeit $695 and a cell phone seized at the time of the incident.
According to court documents, Fawley was apprehended in Grand Forks early the morning of Nov. 19 after leading police on a car chase that reached speeds of 95 mph. After Fawley rear-ended another vehicle, he attempted to flee law enforcement on foot due to the number of active warrants for his arrest and was taken into custody attempting to enter the Walmart on 32nd Avenue.
He was convicted of possession of methamphetamine, reckless endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia and fleeing a peace officer. Each felony charge carried a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Three misdemeanor charges were dismissed as part of the agreement.
"That was stupid," Knudson said following a reading of the facts March 5. "You're lucky you didn't kill someone."
