Pennington County Officer Involved Shooting Report Released

PIERRE, S.D.-  Attorney General Marty Jackley and the Division of Criminal Investigation today released the incident report following the investigation into the shooting of Christopher J. Capps, on May 2, 2010 in rural Pennington County.

The Division of Criminal Investigation, assisted by the Rapid City Police Department, conducted the investigation at the request of the Pennington County Sheriff Office. 

The incident occurred following a call for emergency service in rural Pennington County. Deputy David Olson responded to the call regarding an assault of a 15 year old victim. Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Olson began a foot pursuit of Capps. The incident escaladed as Capps began to run towards Deputy Olson and another bystander. Capps failed to follow repeated verbal commands and was holding an object in his hand that was believed to be a knife. While Capps continued running toward the officer he was witnessed yelling “I am going to kill you.” When Capps reached an approximate distance of 12 to 20 feet, Deputy Olson used lethal force to ensure safety for himself and the bystander. It is the conclusion of this report and the Attorney General that Deputy David Olson was justified in firing his weapon. 

The Attorney General would like to thank the eyewitnesses, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the family of the deceased, for their complete cooperation in this investigation.

A detailed report is available by contacting the Attorney General’s Office at 605-773-3215, Division of Criminal Investigation 605-773-3331 or you can view the report online.