Six charged in Sioux Falls kidnapping and assault case

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Six adults have been charged with first-degree aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault after a 19-year-old male victim was kicked and punched more than 200 times near Ditch Road in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The victim allegedly stole a small amount of cash and marijuana from one of the suspects, leading to the violent confrontation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of vigilante justice and the escalation of violence over relatively minor property crimes. The incident also raises concerns about public safety in the Ditch Road area, which law enforcement says is a frequent site of criminal activity outside city limits.

The details

According to authorities, the victim was approached by the six suspects on the evening of February 4th in Sioux Falls, where an argument began. A nearby neighbor heard the commotion and yelled at the suspects, prompting the victim to flee. The suspects then forced the victim into a car and drove him about 5 miles north of the city, near 84th Street North and Ditch Road, where the assault continued until the victim was found by a third party. Police were able to count 208 hits to the victim based on Snapchat video of the incident.

• On the evening of February 4th, the victim was approached by the suspects in Sioux Falls.
• The suspects then forced the victim into a car and drove him to an area near 84th Street North and Ditch Road, where the assault continued.
• The victim was found conscious by a third party after the assault.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The multi-jurisdictional case, involving the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, and the Fugitive Task Force, is still under investigation.