Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Man Struck by Police Vehicle on Reservation

Russell Charette Jr. died after being hit by a Bureau of Indian Affairs police car during a high-speed chase on the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A federal complaint was filed in a wrongful death lawsuit over the 2024 death of 30-year-old Russell Wayne Charette Jr., who was struck and killed by a Bureau of Indian Affairs police vehicle during a high-speed chase on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota. The lawsuit alleges the officer acted with gross disregard for public safety by continuing the pursuit despite being blinded by a dust cloud.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about police pursuit policies and the need to balance apprehending suspects with protecting public safety, especially on tribal lands where jurisdictional issues can complicate law enforcement response.

The details

According to the complaint, Charette was a passenger in a vehicle being pursued by a BIA officer when he either exited or fell from the moving car. As Charette tried to get to safety, he was struck at high speed by the pursuing police vehicle, suffering fatal injuries. The lawsuit alleges the officer continued the chase despite being "blinded" by a dust cloud, violating BIA policy that requires terminating pursuits when public safety is at unreasonable risk.

  • The incident occurred on April 24, 2024.
  • The federal complaint was filed on February 23, 2026.

The players

Russell Wayne Charette Jr.

A 30-year-old man from Belcourt, North Dakota who was struck and killed by a Bureau of Indian Affairs police vehicle during a high-speed chase on the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

Nancy Charette

The mother and personal representative of Russell Charette Jr., who filed the wrongful death lawsuit.

Bureau of Indian Affairs

The federal law enforcement agency whose officer was involved in the pursuit that led to Charette's death.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if the lawsuit against the United States government under the Federal Tort Claims Act has merit based on the alleged negligence of the BIA officer.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for rigorous pursuit policies and training to protect both law enforcement and the public, especially in remote tribal areas where high-speed chases can have devastating consequences.