Sturgis Police Chief Addresses Fatal Crash Involving Stolen Truck

Authorities say the driver of the stolen vehicle fled police at over 70 mph before crashing into another car, killing the other driver.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:21am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield, capturing the harsh, gritty aftermath of a tragic collision that occurred during a police pursuit.The aftermath of a high-speed police pursuit ends in a fatal crash, exposing the dangers and complexities of law enforcement tactics.Rapid City Today

The Sturgis Police Chief held a press conference to address a fatal crash that occurred after officers attempted to stop a driver in a stolen pickup truck. The driver fled from police at over 70 mph and crashed into a Honda Accord, killing the other driver. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, while Sturgis police are handling the criminal investigation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of high-speed police pursuits and the tragic consequences that can occur when suspects flee from law enforcement. It also raises questions about police tactics, accountability, and the need to balance public safety with protecting the rights of suspects.

The details

According to police, officers were called about a stolen vehicle on Tuesday morning. When they located the stolen pickup truck and tried to stop it, the driver fled at over 70 mph on Lazelle Street, driving recklessly and passing other vehicles. The stolen truck then crashed into a Honda Accord, killing the other driver. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, while Sturgis police are handling the criminal investigation against the driver of the stolen vehicle.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday morning.
  • Police were called about the stolen vehicle on Tuesday morning.

The players

Geody VanDewater

The Sturgis Police Chief who addressed the media about the fatal crash.

South Dakota Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency investigating the crash.

Sturgis Police Department

The local law enforcement agency handling the criminal investigation against the driver of the stolen vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“We need to stop victimizing criminals, and we need to vilifying our officers, and we as a society, we need to start holding these criminals accountable for their actions. This was a very fluid pursuit, and a very short pursuit with the worst outcome possible.”

— Geody VanDewater, Sturgis Police Chief

What’s next

The South Dakota Highway Patrol will continue investigating the crash, while the Sturgis Police Department will determine what charges to file against the driver of the stolen vehicle.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for law enforcement and the public to work together to address the complex issues surrounding high-speed pursuits, criminal accountability, and the balance between public safety and individual rights.