STURGIS, S.D. – A 21-year-old Sturgis man was sentenced to 30 years in prison Friday after pleading guilty but mentally ill to attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Frederick Wilson Jr. fired shots at the Meade County law enforcement center on June 30th of 2024. An officer stepped outside after Wilson fired three shots into the window of the office of the Sturgis Police Chief. Wilson fired two shots at the officer, but missed.
Explosive components were also found near the entry doors of the building.
At sentencing today, prosecutors played the body cam footage of the officer who was shot at. It showed a chaotic scene as the officer returns fire after being shot at before chasing Wilson down the street. Wilson was apprehended after a short foot pursuit.
Kevin Krull, representing the prosecution, says the footage shows the level of danger Wilson put law enforcement in and recommended 30 years for the attempted murder charge and 10 years for shooting at an occupied structure.
Wilson’s attorney asked for a reduced sentence of 25 years and stated his client suffers from mental illness, including anxiety, A.D.H.D. and bipolar disorder.
Judge Michael Day sentenced Wilson on the state’s recommendation, saying they justified Wilson’s actions taken on the day of the shooting and says the officer he shot at suffers from hearing damage and emotional trauma.
Day ordered Wilson to serve 30 years on the attempted murder charge and suspended 5 of the 10 years on the second charge as long as Wilson gets the mental health he needs and stays out of trouble in prison.
Wilson was also ordered to pay just over $12,800 in restitution.