A Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) review indicates a Rapid City Police officer was justified in the shooting death of a man who pointed a gun at the officer during an incident May 30, 2023
The incident began when Rapid City Police Officers responded to a call of two people refusing to leave their residence. One of the persons was identified as Kyle Whiting, 25, who was prohibited by a court order from being at that residence and who had several outstanding warrants for his arrest.
When the two officers arrived, Whiting fled on foot. One of the officers found Whiting trying to enter a residence in the 100 block of East Signal Avenue. Whiting failed to obey the officer’s commands to stop and pointed a novelty gun lighter, which appeared to be a real gun, at the officer. The officer fired three rounds at the suspect, hitting him at least twice.
A bystander in the home also suffered a gunshot wound. Both injured individuals were taken by ambulance to Rapid City Monument Hospital. Whiting was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The bystander sustained serious non-life threatening injuries and was later released.
Toxicology tests indicated the positive presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and ketamine in Whiting’s system. A drug screen and blood alcohol test on the police officer tested negative.