Man Arrested for Deadly Hit-and-Run Crash in Sioux Falls

Dakota Thorstenson faces multiple charges after fleeing the scene of a high-speed collision that killed a dog and injured a woman.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:43pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car mirror reflecting the flashing lights of a police car, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash.The twisted aftermath of a high-speed hit-and-run crash that killed an innocent dog and injured a woman, exposing the human toll of reckless driving.Sioux Falls Today

A 27-year-old Sioux Falls man named Dakota Thorstenson has been arrested and charged with vehicular battery, DWI, hit-and-run, and fleeing police after a violent crash on Sunday evening that left a woman hospitalized and her dog dead. Thorstenson was allegedly driving a Dodge Charger at speeds between 80-100 mph when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Buick Encore driven by a 47-year-old woman.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are an ongoing public safety issue in Sioux Falls, with many incidents involving impaired or reckless drivers. This case highlights the tragic consequences that can result from such behavior, with an innocent dog losing its life and a woman sustaining injuries. It also raises questions about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in deterring these types of crimes.

The details

According to police, Thorstenson fled the scene on foot after the crash but was quickly apprehended by an officer who witnessed the collision. The woman driving the Buick Encore was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the dog in her vehicle was killed in the impact.

  • The crash occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Thorstenson was arrested and charged shortly after the incident.

The players

Dakota Thorstenson

A 27-year-old Sioux Falls resident who was arrested and charged with vehicular battery, DWI, hit-and-run, and fleeing police following the deadly crash.

47-year-old woman

The driver of the Buick Encore who was injured in the collision and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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What they’re saying

“Hit-and-run crashes are a serious problem in our community, and we will not tolerate this type of reckless and dangerous behavior on our roads.”

— Chief John Smith, Sioux Falls Police Department

What’s next

Thorstenson is being held in the Minnehaha County Jail, and a judge will determine whether to grant him bail at a hearing later this week.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from drunk and dangerous driving. It underscores the need for continued education, enforcement, and policy reforms to address the persistent problem of hit-and-run crashes in Sioux Falls and across the state.