Juvenile Escapes Kidnapping After Gunpoint Ordeal

Authorities charge Pierre man with multiple felonies following alleged incident in Sioux Falls.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun cylinder with a single bullet, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the evidence recovered in a violent crime investigation.The recovery of a firearm used in an alleged kidnapping and assault case highlights the need for vigilance and effective law enforcement response to protect vulnerable individuals.Sioux Falls Today

A juvenile is safe after being held at gunpoint and kidnapped by a 66-year-old Pierre man, who was later arrested by police. The child was able to escape and contact authorities after the suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at them and drove them to multiple locations around Sioux Falls.

Why it matters

Kidnapping and aggravated assault cases involving minors are extremely concerning and raise serious public safety issues. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and effective law enforcement response to protect vulnerable individuals from violent crimes.

The details

According to police, the juvenile was riding with the suspect, believed to be a relative, when the man allegedly took out a handgun, loaded it, and pointed it at the child's head while yelling at them. The suspect then allowed the juvenile to briefly exit the vehicle, at which point the child fled and contacted a nearby resident, who called the authorities.

  • The incident was reported to police around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.
  • Officers with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and South Dakota Highway Patrol located and arrested the suspect around 9:45 p.m. at a business in Tea.

The players

Maurice Arnaz Robinson

A 66-year-old man from Pierre, South Dakota, who was charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault, child abuse, committing or attempting to commit a felony with a firearm, and interference with emergency communication.

Sioux Falls Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and conducted the investigation, leading to the suspect's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“At some point while driving, the suspect took out a handgun and loaded it. The juvenile was on the phone while this was happening, and the suspect told the juvenile to get off the phone and turn it off. The suspect then pointed the handgun at the juvenile several times and held it to the juvenile's head while yelling at the juvenile.”

— Sgt. Aaron Benson, Sioux Falls Police Department Spokesperson

What’s next

The suspect, Maurice Arnaz Robinson, is currently in custody and will face a judge to determine if he will be allowed bail while awaiting trial on the multiple felony charges.

The takeaway

This harrowing incident underscores the importance of swift law enforcement response and the need for continued vigilance to protect vulnerable members of the community from violent crimes. The prompt actions of the juvenile and the quick response from authorities likely prevented a much more tragic outcome.