United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an investigation is underway after an officer-involved shooting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
On Tuesday evening, December 27, 2016, an officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety was on patrol in Kyle, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation when he had contact with a male individual. The officer had a brief conversation with the man when, at some point during the encounter, the man drew a firearm on the officer. In turn, the officer drew his own firearm and fired at least three rounds, hitting the individual and resulting in his death.
Other officers arrived on scene to find the first officer rendering aid to the male individual. It was subsequently determined the male was in possession of two 9-millimeter caliber firearms, a quantity of methamphetamine, and 200-300 rounds of ammunition.
Following Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety protocol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was immediately notified. FBI agents responded and began an investigation into the facts and circumstances of the shooting. That investigation is ongoing and an autopsy of the victim is scheduled to occur soon.
This matter remains under investigation by the FBI. Pending the results of the investigation, the officer has been placed on paid administrative departmental leave.