SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Attorney General’s Office said an officer-involved shooting was justified, according to a new report.
The shooting happened at a Sioux Falls home June 26.
“DCI’s investigation and review of the evidence indicates that the deputy’s actions were justified,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley in a news release. “The suspect pointed a loaded shotgun at law enforcement officers, and there was a clear and present danger to the officers’ safety.”
The shooting happened when law enforcement was attempting to serve a felony warrant on Will-Anthony Owen Jellis, 47, at his home. The warrant was for four counts of Simple Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer, resulting from a June 9 incident. The individual was found outside the home by law enforcement. He then went into the home where he barricaded himself inside, according to the Attorney General’s office.
Officers entered the home and gave Jellis commands to surrender, but he refused. Jellis was found with a loaded shotgun and pointed it at the officers. The deputy fired 10 rounds at Jellis, who was struck twice and received non-life-threatening injuries. Jellis was apprehended and administered aid until he was taken to a local hospital.
Lab results indicated that Jellis had a blood alcohol content of .049 percent. He also tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. Test results showed that the deputy did not have alcohol or drugs in his system.
No officers were injured. This incident was the fourth officer-involved shooting in South Dakota this year.
DCI continues to investigate a fifth officer-involved shooting from July 7 in Sioux Falls. A report will be issued on that investigation later, the office said.
In court, Jellis’ attorney asked for a PR bond because of his health issues, including cirrhosis, cancer and mental illness.
