STURGIS, S.D. – The Wyoming man involved in a shoot-out with law enforcement at last year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was sentenced to 55 years in prison Wednesday.
Wyatt James Fluty, 29, of Saratoga, Wyoming, was sentenced by Judge John Fitzgerald in Meade County Court.
Fluty pleaded guilty to Attempted First Degree Murder involving a Law Enforcement officer and Commission of a Felony While Armed with a Firearm in May.
The incident occurred on August 9, 2023, after Fluty, suspected of vehicle theft and possessing stolen firearms, was spotted by a South Dakota highway patrol trooper near Exit 32 in Sturgis. Fluty fired at the trooper, who returned fire, and then tried to steal the patrol vehicle. He was apprehended after being shot. None of the officers were hurt.
At sentencing, the trooper who was involved in the shoot-out told the court he has relived that day over and over and it took an emotional toll on his mental health.
An off-duty law enforcement officer from Minnesota who came to the aid of the trooper also testified that he’s thankful to be alive and the aftermath of that day has brought him anxiety. He says Fluty had been living rent free in his head and welcomed today’s sentencing for closure.
Fluty told the court he takes accountability for what he did and apologized to the victims and community for putting them in danger. He also apologized to his family and his mother, who was in court for his sentencing.
The prosecution asked for 40 years on the attempted first degree murder charge and 25 for the commission of a felony while armed charge.
Judge Fitzgerald says he was troubled by Fluty’s past and his actions created a ripple effect on those he hurt. He handed down a sentence of 50 years on the attempted murder charge and 5 years for commission of a felony charge. The two sentences run consecutively meaning Fluty will serve 55 years.
