FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    Thursday, June 20, 2019

CONTACT:  Tim Bormann (605) 773-3215

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg and the Division of Criminal Investigation today released the summary into the shooting of George Lee Rinzy, Jr., 44, Sioux Falls, on May 21, 2019, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The Division of Criminal Investigation, assisted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation at the request of the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred during the afternoon of May 21, 2019.  Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputies and Corrections Officers of the Minnehaha County Jail responded to an individual causing a disturbance at the front entrance of the jail.  Rinzy broke the glass door to the jail, refused to cooperate with the Deputies and Corrections Officers, then aggressively charged law enforcement personnel while armed with knives.  The knives and aggressive behavior resulted in a Minnehaha County Deputy firing his duty weapon at the subject.

“It is my conclusion that the Minnehaha County Deputy was justified in firing his weapon and using lethal force,” said Ravnsborg.  “I would like to thank the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and the Deputy for their service and complete cooperation in this investigation.”

Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Shooting Summary May 21, 2019

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