SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation has determined three officers were justified in their use of force during a hostage situation that took place Aug. 5.
In a news release, the incident occurred when Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officers pursued a vehicle that eventually traveled off the reservation into Haakon County.
The vehicle became disabled and pulled onto a property five miles North of Midland, where Shace Wayne Looking Horse fired shots at officers.
No officer was injured, but three vehicles were damaged.
Looking Horse, age 31 of Eagle Butte, took a woman hostage at gunpoint and stole the vehicle, was fatally shot by a South Dakota Highway Patrol member.
“Tribal, state, and local law enforcement officers placed themselves in harm’s way to protect the hostage and the public,” Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a news release. “The officers were justified in the use of force to protect the hostage and themselves.”
According to the DCI report, Looking Horse fired more than 30 rounds from two different guns — a 9mm handgun and a Ruger AR15. A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper fired his Colt AR15 rifle twice, killing Looking Horse.
“Trooper #1 explained that it appeared to him that Looking Horse had the means and opportunity to kill others, and that their lives were in jeopardy,” the DCI report said.
Looking Horse’s blood and urine tested positive for alcohol and numerous drugs, including meth.
Looking Horse also had an active warrant for a probation violation.
This is the sixth officer-involved shooting in South Dakota this year.
You can read more of the investigation summary below.
