FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :    Monday, November 23, 2015 
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

 
Day County Man Arrested for Attempted Murder

 
PIERRE, S.D. - Attorney General Marty Jackley and Day County States Attorney Danny Smeins confirm that Jason Lewandowski, 44, has been arrested and charged with one count of attempted murder, class 2 felony, punishable by up to 25 years and/or $50,000 fine, one count of first degree burglary, class 2 felony, punishable by up to 25 years and/or $50,000 fine and one count of aggravating eluding of law enforcement officer, class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years and/or $4,000 fine. The attempted murder and first degree burglary charges are out of Day County and the aggravated eluding is a Brown County charge.

“Our thoughts remain with Mr. Hendrickson and his family. I want to reassure Day County residents that this appears to be an isolated incident not involving further danger with the suspect in custody,” said Jackley.

Charges stem from an incident that occurred at a residence in rural Day County at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015, where Lewandowski entered the victim’s residence and shot and critically injured the victim. Lewandowski then left the scene. Law Enforcement identified Lewandowski’s vehicle at approximately 9:54 p.m. in the Groton area. Law Enforcement began a pursuit as Lewandowski was traveling west on SD HWY 12 at varying rates of speed. The pursuit ended outside an Aberdeen hospital. Lewandowski was subdued by law enforcement when tasers were deployed before taking Lewandowski into custody.

The victim has been identified as Jeremy Hendrickson of Roslyn. He remains in serious condition.

Lewandowski remains in custody and is innocent until such time as proven guilty.

Agencies that assisted include: Day County Sheriff's Office, Webster Police Dept. SD Highway Patrol, Marshall County Sheriff's Office, SD GF&P, Groton Police Department, Brown County Sheriff's Office, Aberdeen Police Department, Day County Emergency Management and the Division of Criminal Investigation.
 

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