RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Police are reporting an officer-involved shooting that took place early Tuesday morning.
Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick says officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of LaCrosse and Waterloo around 4:00 a.m., but the vehicle wouldn’t stop.
Hedrick says the vehicle led police on a chase at a low speed.
“Shortly thereafter, a passenger jumped out of the vehicle, and ran on foot. At that point, the vehicle continued to actively elude police. At some point while officers were following the vehicle, the driver threw something out the window.”
Hedrick says that’s when police attempted a tactical vehicle intervention.
“That is something officers use to try a stop a vehicle, but it didn’t work. The vehicle continued onto St. Pat, and onto South Valley Drive where it pulled into Terra Street.”
Hedrick says an officer then attempted to pin the vehicle, but instead it spun and drove in the direction of the officer.
“At that point, the officer fired several shots at the vehicle, striking the driver several times.”
Hedrick says aid was rendered to the female driver, and she was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
A search is also underway for the passenger who jumped out of the vehicle.
Hedrick says the investigation into the shooting will be handed over to the Division of Criminal Investigation.
The officer, as per protocol, will be on paid leave while the investigation is ongoing.
