RAPID CITY, S.D. – Law enforcement agencies have intensified their search for an armed fugitive in the Black Hills, offering a cash reward for information as the operation enters its fourth day.
The Rapid City Police Department and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office announced a $2,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of Jeremy Taylor. The funds are being offered through the Community Reward Fund, a local non-profit organization established in 1994 to assist in the resolution of serious crimes.
On the evening of Feb. 2 and into the early morning hours of Feb. 3, investigators obtained information suggesting Taylor was in the vicinity of Klondike Road off South Highway 16. The Pennington County/Rapid City Special Response Team, supported by a large contingent of officers, converged on the area to search an unoccupied residence and the surrounding timber.
Authorities issued a public safety alert to cell phones across the Black Hills region at approximately 5 p.m. on Monday:
“Public Safety Alert
Local Law Enforcement advises that an armed and dangerous person may be in the national forest somewhere in between 16A and South Rockerville Rd. Police are looking for an adult male who stands 6’2″ tall and weighs 160lbs. If seen, do not approach. Immediately call 911 and report his location. This warning is valid until 12 PM (Noon) on Feb 3rd.”
Taylor is described as an adult male standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds.
While the Special Response Team conducted door-to-door contacts with neighbors in the immediate area, Taylor was not located.
Taylor has been evading authorities since Jan. 31, when he fled from a police traffic stop in Rapid City. Officials currently believe he is hiding in the Black Hills near Sheridan Lake and Pactola Reservoir.
The search involves a coordinated effort between the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and U.S. Marshals. Authorities noted that Taylor has made contact with multiple individuals over the past several days.
Police advise anyone who sees Taylor not to approach him but to call 911 immediately. Non-emergency tips can be directed to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 605-394-6115. Anonymous information can also be submitted by texting the letters “RCPD” followed by the tip to 847411.
