Man Pleads “Not Guilty” To Attempted Murder in Oil Patch

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — An Idaho man has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder after police say he tried to run over an officer during a vehicle chase in western North Dakota's oil patch.

KXMC-TV reports 27-year-old Ryan Grunig, of Montpelier, Idaho, appeared in Northwest District Court on Thursday. He is facing several charges for the incident, which began in late March when police tried to pull him over for a traffic violation.

Authorities say at one point Grunig's pickup truck appeared to be stuck in a drainage ditch, at which time an officer drew his weapon and ordered Grunig out the vehicle.

Grunig was able to accelerate out of the ditch and then allegedly drove toward the officer, who jumped out of the way.

A trial has been set for July.