Blackduck man faces charges for 20-mile high-speed chase
A Blackduck man arrested March 3 after a 20-mile high-speed chase was charged with three felonies and six misdemeanor counts in Itasca County District Court March 3.
Anthony Troy Gabrelcik, 19, has been charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and two felony charges of fifth degree controlled substance crime. He also faces misdemeanor charges of fourth degree driving while impaired, reckless driving, open bottle, being a minor in possession of alcohol, fleeing a peace officer on foot and a petty misdemeanor charge of possessing a small amount of marijuana.
Gabrelcik's bail was set at $25,000 without conditions or $10,000 with conditions: Do not consume or possess alcohol and do not enter places where alcohol is served or sold; do not use or possess non-prescription drugs; submit to random testing; undergo a chemical dependency evaluation; take medications as prescribed; submit to urine testing every three days at the jail; make all future court appearances; keep in contact with his attorney; remain law-abiding; and do not drive without a valid license or insurance.
According to the criminal complaint, Tuesday afternoon around 3 p.m., an Itasca County sheriff's deputy attempted to pull Gabrelcik over after clocking his speed at 90 m.p.h. in a 55 m.p.h. zone. The chase, which started on Highway 46 north of Deer River, ended in Cohasset when a deputy used his squad car to force Gabrelcik's vehicle off the road. The complaint said Gabrelcik was traveling towards the Cohasset Elementary School at that time.
According to Itasca County Sheriff Pat Medure, officers from Deer River Police had set up stop sticks at Highway 46 and Highway 2 in an attempt to end the chase. Gabrelcik drove over the sticks but continued eastbound on Highway 2 through Deer River.
The complaint said when officers spoke to Gabrelcik about the incident, "he intentionally drove erratically to get the attention of the police to get into a chase."
Gabrelcik's next court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. March 9.