FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    Monday,  January 2, 2018  
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215   

PIERRE, S.D. - Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting an investigation into a suspicious death in connection to a traffic arrest that was initiated by the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Tosten David Walsh Lommen, 30, Santa Cruz, California, was arrested on several charges. Upon a search of the vehicle, the body of a deceased female was found.

On Jan. 1, 2018, at approximately 11:55 a.m. (MST), a South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper observed Lommen traveling eastbound on I-90 in Lawrence County at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop, but the subject failed to stop.

The pursuit continued east on I-90 from Spearfish to Rapid City, reaching speeds of about 118 mph.  Law enforcement did successfully spike the vehicle which eventually came to a stop on I-90 inside of Rapid City city limits.  Lommen exited his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but was apprehended by law enforcement. 

Agencies that assisted were the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Meade County Sheriff Office, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation.

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