Two people have been arrested after a theft at a Rugby business led to a high-speed pursuit in northern Pierce County March 16.

A statement from Rugby Chief of Police John Rose said officers were investigating a theft from Home of Economy in Rugby.

“Rugby Police attempted to locate a vehicle involved in a theft from Home of Economy. The vehicle was located north of Rugby on N.D. #3 and was attempting to elude detection,” Rose said.

“Police began the pursuit at N.D. Highway 17 traveling east. The chase reached speeds of 106 mph on pavement and 60-70 mph on gravel roads. The pursuit was north of the Island Lake area when Rolette County joined the pursuit,” Rose added, noting Rolette County deputies were able to deflate the fleeing car’s tires with spike strips.

“The pursuit ended in Rolla with both occupants fleeing on foot,” Rose said. “A female was taken in custody there and the male driver fled to a farmstead north of Rolla. After a short standoff he was also taken into custody.”

Rose said the driver, Louis Longie, Grand Forks, and Longie’s passenger, Janine Dubois, Belcourt, “will face theft charges in Pierce County as well as various other charges related to the pursuit in Rolette County.”