Fargo, N.D. – On Tuesday, January 28, at 4:14 p.m., Fargo Police Officer Paul Nelson was enroute to a service call when a vehicle sped past him at an excessive speed. Despite attempting to stop the driver in the 200 block of University Dr. S., the driver refused to pull over. Prioritizing public safety, Officer Nelson discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons but continued his investigation.
After completing his original call, Officer Nelson used the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) feature on his squad car’s dashcam to identify the fleeing vehicle’s license plate. He traced the vehicle to a residence in the 1500 block of 34th Ave. S. in Fargo.
At 5:16 p.m., Officer Nelson, along with Officers Evan Luoma and Tyler Pool, responded to the location and observed the suspect entering the vehicle. As officers approached, the suspect attempted to flee back into the home. He was identified as 32-year-old Taylor Meyer, who had active felony warrants for dangerous drugs in Clay County and a Cass County warrant for refusal to halt.
Instead of escalating the situation, officers used strategic communication to de-escalate the encounter. Within 36 minutes, Meyer voluntarily exited the home and was arrested for refusal to halt, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, and his active warrants.
This case demonstrates the Fargo Police Department’s commitment to professionalism, smart policing, and guardianship. Officer Nelson’s use of technology, persistence, and teamwork ensured a safe and successful resolution.
