SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A Sioux Falls Police Officer and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy were justified in the shooting of a suspect who had taken a hostage at a gas station on July 3, according to a release sent by the AG’s office Friday.
“The suspect had already fired a gun in the direction of a law enforcement officer, was holding the firearm near the hostage clerk, and was behaving in an erratic manner,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The two officers involved were justified in using lethal force in this tense and uncertain situation.”
Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum says the incident started just after 3 a.m. on July 3, when an officer began getting shot at while on his break near the corner of 14th Street and Minnesota Avenue.
“A large police presence responded,” Thum told KELOLAND News on July 3. “It was clear from what they could see inside that employees were being held against their will inside that location.”
Thum said the SFPD SWAT team and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s SWAT team both responded. He said negotiations were attempted, but things escalated. A sniper rifle gunshot ended the hostage situation. The negotiations lasted about 36 minutes.
The suspect, 26-year-old Daniel Todd Augustine was pronounced dead at the scene. The employee was not injured.
