PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting an investigation of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday at approximately 1:30 p.m. CST at the intersection of Russell Street and Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls. The Sioux Falls police officer spotted a car with substitute plates on the road and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect pulled into a gas station parking lot. The officer approached the car and began talking to the driver. After a brief conversation, the officer asked the female to exit the car. She refused, words were exchanged, and a struggle ensued. The officer tried to pull the driver out of the car. During the struggle, the suspect’s car sped backward, trapping the officer between the door, gas pumps, and concrete dividers. The officer then discharged his gun, striking the driver and a passenger. The two wounded individuals were taken to a hospital. The passenger was treated and released into custody, while the driver is still receiving medical treatment. The officer has been placed on administrative leave. Both of the injured people had outstanding warrants for crimes ranging from simple assault to abuse or cruelty to a minor.
Sioux Falls Police requested that DCI Agents take the lead in investigating the incident and DCI Agents arrived on scene soon after the incident and began their investigation immediately. DCI Agents received initial assistance at the scene from the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
The DCI requests that any witness to the incident or anyone with cell phone video that might assist investigators contact the DCI at (605) 773-3331.