SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Two people have died in a shooting Thursday night at a gas station in western Sioux Falls.
A 23-year-old man and a 44-year-old man died from gunshot wounds, according to Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens. Clemens said the names of the victims aren’t being released until family notification.
According to police, the 23-year-old man was “jumped” by people earlier in the night and thought the people responsible were a group of motorcyclists at a gas station.
Clemens said the 23-year-old and 44-year-old men were joined by a 14-year-old boy in one vehicle and then followed by a 42-year-old woman to the gas station located at 41st Street and Sertoma Avenue.
According to police the three had bats and confronted a group of people with motorcycles. The 23-year-old man swung a bat at a 26-year-old.
The 26-year-old shot the 23-year-old with a gun and the 44-year-old, who also was swinging a bat at him, according to police. Clemens said the 42-year-old woman pointed a gun at the 26-year-old and he shot her as well.
“It was a case of mistaken identity,” Clemens said.
Clemens said the 26-year-old hasn’t been arrested and he was cooperative with police. Court documents say the 26-year-old fired his gun “in self-defense” while ducking to avoid being hit with a bat.
Traffic cameras confirmed the motorcyclists were at a different location when the 23-year-old said his assault occurred.
At least two guns were involved, Clemens said, who did not know how many shots were fired.
“We believe those were the only guns used,” Clemens said.
The 42-year-old woman went to the hospital to be treated and was released. An arrest warrant has been issued for Darinda Janette Martinez, 42, of Sioux Falls, for aggravated assault charges.
“This is an unusual event,” Clemens said.
Police are trying to find more information about the first assault involving the 23-year-old man. It happened on North Daisy Avenue.
“They misidentified the suspects,” Clemens said.
