Two Fargo residents are facing charges after being arrested earlier this week for theft and fleeing from law enforcement in Fergus Falls, MN. The incident began on Sunday, August 18th, when Fergus Falls Police were dispatched to a local store following a report of theft the previous day. Court documents indicate that the suspects, a man and a woman, were caught on surveillance walking out of the store with two crossbows, valued at around $1,200, without paying. They fled the scene in a sedan without license plates.
The suspects, 29-year-old Gavin Ross Gladue and 41-year-old Tricia Lynn Potratz, both of Fargo, briefly returned to the store on Sunday, prompting store staff to alert police. Officers quickly located the suspects’ vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Initially, the car continued at reasonable speeds but then began speeding and violating traffic laws on Western Avenue to evade law enforcement.
The pursuit lasted approximately 1.7 miles, during which officers employed stop sticks and multiple PIT maneuvers before successfully boxing in the vehicle. Upon stopping the car, officers discovered 2.3 grams of methamphetamine on the passenger side. Gladue admitted that Potratz instructed him to flee when law enforcement attempted to stop them because she had outstanding warrants. He also stated that Potratz had arranged a meeting where they sold the crossbows for between $200 and $300.
Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Otter Tail County Detention Facility. Gladue faces charges of Theft and Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle, while Potratz is charged with Theft and 5th Degree Drug Possession.