South Dakota AG clears Sioux Falls officer in June shooting

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo has cleared a Sioux Falls police officer for shooting at a fleeing man who had pointed a gun toward the officer.

The Division of Criminal Investigation found police officers were investigating a stolen car that had pulled into a motel parking lot on June 22. Asa Wooden Knife, who had been driving the car, fled from the officers, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation’s report. As he fled, Wooden Knife pointed a pistol over his shoulder. The officer then fired twice, but missed him. Wooden Knife appeared to drop the pistol and was arrested after running into the street, the report found.

August 6, 2022