On the evening of October 13, 2025, law enforcement in Grand Forks initiated a police pursuit after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle near the 7800 block of North 69th Street.
The responding officers located the vehicle later in the 6500 block of North 55th Street. When the driver refused to stop, officers pursued.
To safely end the chase, authorities deployed spike strips, which disabled the vehicle.
The driver was then apprehended without further incident, and the pursuit came to a close.
Suspect Identification & Background
The arrested individual was identified as Derek Myrvik, who reportedly confessed that he had been “on the run” for two months due to a Minnesota warrant issuance.
Investigators say Myrvik had outstanding legal issues, which likely contributed to his decision to flee from police rather than stop.
At the moment of arrest, Myrvik faces a broad spectrum of charges:
- Fleeing a peace officer
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia
- Tampering with physical evidence
- DUI—drugs
- Refusal to submit to DUI testing
- Driving under suspension
- Criminal mischief
- Possession of marijuana
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 24, 2025, where initial evidence and charges will be reviewed.
Evidence & Drug Findings
Following the arrest, law enforcement conducted a search of the suspect, during which they discovered a bag containing a green, leafy substance, suspected to be marijuana.
A vehicle search also revealed:
- A pill bottle containing a crystal-like substance
- A piece of tin foil with an amber-colored residue
- A silicone cover enclosing a crystal-like substance
These items are consistent with methamphetamine possession and associated paraphernalia. In addition, officers observed watery, bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils, which are signs commonly linked to drug impairment.
Key Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of incident | October 13, 2025, just after 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Stolen vehicle near 7802 N 69th St; pursuit ended near 6500 block of N 55th St |
| Suspect | Derek Myrvik, wanted in Minnesota warrant |
| How pursuit ended | Spike strips deployed; arrest made without further struggle |
| Drugs & paraphernalia | Green leafy substance; crystal-like substances in pill bottle and foil; silicone cover with residue |
| Signs of impairment | Watery, bloodshot eyes; dilated pupils |
| Charges faced | Fleeing police; possession of meth; drug paraphernalia; DUI-drugs; refusal; driving under suspension; criminal mischief; possession of marijuana |
| Next hearing date | November 24, 2025 (preliminary hearing) |
Implications & Context
This arrest underscores how quickly a drug-related offense can escalate into a dangerous pursuit. The use of spike strips in this case demonstrates a measured, tactical approach by law enforcement to safely intervene while minimizing risk to the public and officers.
Drug possession—especially of methamphetamine—remains a significant concern in communities due to its link with violent behavior, impaired driving, and broader public safety risks.
In this case, the presence of drug paraphernalia and observed impairment signs strengthen the prosecutorial case for DUI-drugs and related criminal charges.
Legal Process & Next Steps
After being booked into custody, Myrvik is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Over the coming weeks, laboratory analysis will confirm the identity and quantity of the substances seized, which may lead to amended charges.
The preliminary hearing on November 24 will allow a judge to determine whether the case should move forward to trial based on the initial evidence presented.
A reported stolen vehicle chase in Grand Forks ended in the arrest of Derek Myrvik, following the deployment of spike strips.
The discovery of methamphetamine, marijuana, and paraphernalia, along with signs of drug impairment, has led to a broad set of charges including DUI-drugs.
With a preliminary hearing scheduled for November, the case underscores the serious consequences of drug violations and the tactical measures law enforcement may take to protect public safety.




