Kathryn Joanna Duray, 38 of Saint Francis is facing charges for felony fleeing in a motor vehicle and child endangerment after almost hitting an officer that was deploying stop sticks on October the 4th. The Hawley Police Department wrote on its Facebook page that Duray was captured after allegedly driving 110 mph in a 50-mph zone within Clay County, Minnesota.
The shocking incident occurred close to midnight when an officer observed Duray speeding west on Highway 10. The officer, responded by immediately activating his emergency lights and sirens in an effort to have the vehicle stop. Despite efforts to stop her, Duray eventually drove on for 13 miles (21 kilometers), with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies confirming they reached speeds of between 108 and 109 mph during their pursuit.
According to the court documents, multiple authorities in separate patrol vehicles with lights and sirens were dispatched on Duray’s tail but it wasn’t until stop sticks strategically set by Glyndon Police that she was intercepted near the 300 block of State Street in Glyndon.
Duray, who was with a 7-year-old girl in the car when she arrested [emphasis added] At later court hearings, Duray falsely said that she had not seen police and insisted that she did not deliberately hang up on them. Morissette reportedly told police that she needed to get to a hotel in Fargo, North Dakota so she could have a safe place away from the people who were chasing her — or had access to where ever her phone was. She also mentioned having to call Jesus Christ in one of her statements, the officers added.
Duray’s bail was set at $2,000 with conditions or $6,000 without in a hearing held Wednesday morning in Clay County Court. Duray has made bail and is scheduled to be back in court Tuesday.
The incident is still under investigation as law enforcement continue to gather additional details about the case and ensure the welfare of an involved minor.
The event stands as an example that we should be all vigilant when by the road and to never allow something frivolous like speeding turn into a dangerous hazard, especially with children present.