RAPID CITY, S.D. – It was a frightening experience at an arcade bar in downtown Rapid City when fireworks began to explode in the building.
The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. at Press Start Arcade, located in downtown Rapid City when fireworks were tossed inside the business.
The explosion caught the ceiling on fire and caused minor injuries. Calla Ward was working security the night of the attack and was injured, with slight hearing loss and burns on the right side of her body. A patron received minor injuries.
“At first, I didn’t know exactly what it was other than something lit got thrown in, so I thought maybe it was a smoke bomb; let’s get everybody out of the way just in case, so I ran over there and was trying to get everybody out of the way, and I kind of turned around to see what it was, and that’s when it went off,” Ward told KOTA.
Around 11:20 p.m. on June 28, three individuals were seen going north on Mt. Rushmore Road on skateboards. There are reports that they were lighting fireworks and tossing them at passing cars.
Security camera footage shows a young adult males skating down the street, throwing fireworks at cars and other businesses, before hitting Press Start.
Marc Linn, the owner of Press Start Arcade is taking the attack seriously.
He told KOTA, “Had this happened when we were busy? I don’t even want to think about what could’ve happened; it could’ve been disastrous, so I don’t see this as a funny little prank with a firework. You know, on July 4, you always hear about people throwing out fireworks. This is serious; you’re throwing a bomb into a business where people are. Someone could’ve gotten hurt or maybe even killed.”
Press Start Arcade is working with Rapid City Police Department to find the individual(s) responsible for the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Mackenzie Armstrong at (605) 394-4134.
Additionally, any other downtown businesses that may have video of the individuals is encouraged to check their cameras between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. on June 28.
