STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Sheriff’s Office arrested a motorcyclist following a high speed chase in the Summerset area on Friday.
Sheriff Pat West says deputies attempted to stop a 1996 Harley Davidson Motorcycle that was allegedly speeding eastbound on I-90.
The motorcyclist failed to stop and led authorities on a chase in which he exited I-90 twice – once at Exit 44 and again at Exit 46.
As the pursuit continued eastbound West says the rider tossed what appeared to be a firearm into the ditch.
The pursuit eventually came to an end near Mile Marker 49, where deputies, the Summerset Police Department and South Dakota Highway Patrol conducted a “textbook” high-risk stop.
The rider was identified as a 33 year old man from Newell, S.D. He was taken into custody without further incident.
West says the subject, whose name was not released, was facing several charges, including eluding law enforcement, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, ingestion of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license.
West says the firearm, a 9mm handgun, was also located thanks to witnesses who helped law enforcement with their reports.
“Pursuits are dangerous, but rest assured, we’ll do everything in our power to keep innocent citizens safe,” said Meade County Sheriff Pat West. “Criminals should know that we will pursue, we will catch, and we’ll make sure they face a judge to answer for their actions.”
He gave out a “Big thanks to the Summerset Police Department and South Dakota Highway Patrol for teaming up with us on this midday pursuit.”
