ROLLA,N.D. (KFGO) - Rolette County Sheriff Gerald Medrud has identified the deputy killed in shootout on a remote road 8 miles south of Belcourt Wednesday night as Colt Eugene Allery. The 29-year old had been a law officer for 3 years. Allery was with the sheriff's department for 3 months. Prior to that he was a member of the Rolette Police Department and the Turtle Mountain Tribal Police Department.
Medrud says the van, stolen earlier in Grand Forks, was tracked by On-Star heading into Rolette County where authorties started pursuing the vehicle at speeds up to 85 mph for about 15 miles. Using a remote signal, On-Star cut the van's engine. That's when authorities caught up to the driver and a gun fight ensued, involving three deputies, a police officer and the driver of the stolen van. Both Deputy Allery and the unidentified driver died at the scene.
The officers involved in the shooting are on standard paid administrative leave until results of the investigation are complete. The state Bureau of Criminal Investion says that's expected to take 30 days.