SIOUX FALLS, S.D. A hostage incident at a Sioux Falls convenience store early this morning has left the suspect dead.
Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum says it all began when an officer stopped at a Get-n-Go location on the 600 block of South Minnesota Avenue for food around 3:00a.m. this morning (June 3, 2024).
“As the officer was approaching that business, he began taking fire from the inside of the structure,” said Thum.
The officer returned fire and took cover behind his squad car while calling in extra help.
According to Thum, “In the continuing incident, a Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy and SWAT team member deployed his department issued sniper rifle, hitting the suspect who was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Chief Thum says SWAT teams from the police department and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s office responded. There were three hostages inside the convenience store. The one who was close to the suspect, one who was hiding deeper into the store, and a third who escaped.
“As the hostage situation was unfolding and in protection of the hostage’s life,” said Thum. “A shot was fired by that deputy and did strike the subject. Officers on scene then made an emergency crisis entry into the building and were able to rescue the hostages.
The state division of Criminal Investigation will review the incident.
