SIOUX FALLS, S.D. –A suspect in two shootings mistakenly entered the wrong home and killed a man before shooting and injuring his intended target and two others, according to police reports
Police say the suspect, 45-year-old Alton Ray Bear of Sioux Falls, faces a several charges in connection to the shootings, including first-degree murder.
According to Capt. Mike Colwill, Bear entered a home at the corner of Second Street and Prairie Avenue, believing his intended target was there. The homeowner confronted Bear who then fatally shot the homeowner.
Bear then went to a different home at the corner of First Street and Prairie Avenue – one block north of the initial shooting.
Police reports said Bear entered that home and shot his intended target, a 30-year-old man. Bear also shot an 18-year-old woman and a 52-year-old woman. All three were hospitalized and are expected to survive. There were two children in the home at the time of the shooting. They were not harmed, and were returned to their family.
Police were notified of the second shooting at First and Prairie. Officers developed a suspect soon after arriving. Bear was located nearby within an hour.
Police were not aware of the first shooting at Second Street and Prairie Avenue until later Monday evening. A family member found the victim, 44-year-old Tracy Saboe, shortly before 8 p.m. and called police.
Bear was arrested for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, and burglary charges.
Colwill said Investigators do not believe the shooting was drug-related. Police learned the 30-year-old man was the intended target during an interview with the suspect. Bear was allegedly pursuing him because Bear believed he had assaulted someone in his family.
