RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City police say a suspect has been arrested after reportedly going on a crime spree that resulted in injuries and a shot being fired.
Police say it all began this morning when 33-year-old Billy Robertson allegedly stole a pickup truck after he was involved in a vandalism/disturbance in the 200 block of Country Road.
After being seen driving through the grass outside of an apartment complex, Robertson then forced entry into a home in the 800 block of West Blvd. North. Police say he brandished a knife and threatened to kill the female homeowner. The homeowner’s daughter began calling 911 and the suspect then fled out the back door.
Robertson then reportedly went to a residence on Minnetonka Drive, where he kicked in a door to make entry, stabbing the homeowner after a struggle ensued between the two. The homeowner was being treated for serious, but non-life threatening injuries.
Police say Robertson then entered an unlocked garage of a residence in the 2800 block of Country Club Drive and stole keys to a truck parked in the driveway. As he was attempting to drive away, he crashed into the previous truck he had stolen. The homeowner was awakened by the noise and went outside and attempted to pull Robertson from the truck. Robertson continued driving and dragged the homeowner in the process. The homeowner eventually pulled Robertson from the truck, but the truck kept going and crashed into another residence on Country Club Drive. The homeowner was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Robertson fled the scene in the first stolen vehicle and began to drive across the Meadowbrook Golf Course. That’s when police encountered the vehicle and an officer fired his duty weapon as the vehicle veered toward him. The officer was not hurt.
Robertson fled and abandoned the truck in the area of Jackson Boulevard and 6th Avenue. He was later apprehended in the 2000 block of 4th Avenue.
Interim Police Chief Don Hedrick says Robertson’s actions have “created one of the largest crime scenes in Rapid City’s history.”
Police are still working on the number of charges that Robertson is likely to face.
