RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Police Department is currently investigating a vehicle crash that occurred at Mt. Rushmore Road and St. Joseph Street at approximately 0520 this morning.
During the early morning hours of May 10, 2020, a reported hit and run accident at a local motel led to the identification of a stolen 2003 Ford Ranger pickup. Officers discovered the stolen Ford driving in the area of Star Village. Officers followed the stolen vehicle until they attempted a vehicle stop. The stolen Ford accelerated away from the officers, south on Fifth Street towards the hospital.
The Stolen Ford drove west on Cathedral Drive, and then north on Mt. Rushmore Road. The speeds of the stolen Ford increased as the pursuit continued south into the downtown area. RCPD Officers were several blocks away from the stolen Ford as it entered the downtown area. At the intersection of Mt. Rushmore Road and St. Joseph Street, the stolen Ford attempted to turn westbound, the wrong way, on St. Joseph Street. The stolen Ford was traveling too fast and could not negotiate the corner at that speed. The driver lost control of the stolen Ford and it crashed into the building at the Northwest Corner of that intersection.
Three female juveniles were in the stolen Ford at the time of the crash. All three were transported to the hospital from the scene of the crash. The driver of the vehicle will likely be charged with numerous offenses to include, Driving Under the Influence, Vehicular Battery, and Aggravated Eluding. Other charges are pending at this time.
Due to the suspects being juveniles, names will not be released.
This incident remains under investigation.
