RAPID CITY, S.D. – Law enforcement agencies have entered the third day of a massive manhunt for Jeremy Taylor, an armed suspect wanted on a sexual assault warrant out of Ohio. Officials confirmed Monday that the search has intensified as local, state, and federal partners converge on the rugged terrain outside of Rapid City.
Rapid City Assistant Police Chief Scott Sitz said the search has passed the 72-hour mark and involves a multi-agency effort including the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshals, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the National Park Service.
“We are using all available resources that we have at our disposal,” Sitz said. “This is a full scale search and we’re not taking it lightly. We’re going to continue the search until we locate Jeremy.”
The operation has utilized helicopters, multiple drones, and ground teams to clear the dense woods. However, officials noted that environmental factors have complicated the mission. Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mark Hughes cited windy conditions and difficult terrain, including rock outcroppings and fallen trees from recent storms, as significant hurdles.
“Just flying a helicopter over and locating a person isn’t as easy as some people believe it may be,” Hughes said.
Taylor is described as an individual with survival skills and historical indications of military training. Law enforcement previously located a tent belonging to the suspect in the area. Authorities warned that Taylor is likely armed with a long rifle and has expressed a willingness to resist arrest.
“We have a fugitive from justice with a sexual assault warrant out of Ohio who’s made it known he’s willing to do what it takes to evade arrest and apprehension,” Sitz said. “He’s prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement in these woods.”
Despite the challenges, investigators remain confident Taylor is still in the immediate area. Ground teams have been clearing sheds and cabins, aided by tips from local residents reporting suspicious activity.
“At the end of the day, we’re all hoping for a peaceful resolution,” Hughes said. “If we could contact him and have him turn himself in, that’s the best case scenario.”
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office plans to maintain a heavy presence in the area throughout the night to ensure a rapid response to any sightings. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the active search zone and to call 911 immediately if they spot the suspect.
“We’re not going away,” Sitz said. “We’re going to continue to search for him. We’ll find him.”
