Officer Involved Shooting Under Investigation in South Dakota

State authorities are probing an incident where troopers fired at a suspect during a vehicle pursuit.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:21pm

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The Division of Criminal Investigation in South Dakota has launched an investigation into an officer involved shooting that occurred on March 21 in Box Elder. The incident began when the Meade County Sheriff's Office initiated a pursuit with a vehicle, which was later located by the Highway Patrol. After a short chase, the vehicle was stopped and the troopers fired at the suspect, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. No one else was hurt. The suspect's name has not been released.

Why it matters

Officer involved shootings are a sensitive and closely scrutinized issue, and the state Attorney General's Office has pledged a thorough and unbiased investigation to determine the details and circumstances surrounding this incident.

The details

According to the Attorney General's Office, the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating the shooting at the request of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. DCI will process the crime scene, conduct forensic examinations, interview those involved, and review any available video footage as part of the investigation.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • This is the first officer involved shooting in South Dakota this year.

The players

Division of Criminal Investigation

The state agency conducting the investigation into the officer involved shooting.

South Dakota Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that requested the DCI investigation and was involved in the incident.

Attorney General Jason Jackley

The state's top law enforcement official, who stated the investigation will be complete and unbiased.

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What they’re saying

“The Attorney General's Office and DCI approach every officer involved shooting with the utmost seriousness, and DCI will carry out a complete and unbiased investigation into this incident.”

— Attorney General Jason Jackley

What’s next

DCI will issue a summary once the investigation is completed.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of thorough and transparent investigations into officer involved shootings to maintain public trust and ensure accountability, especially in sensitive cases where use of force by law enforcement is involved.