FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Dec. 9, 2024

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) review indicates that a Rapid City Police Department Officer was justified in a shooting that occurred Nov. 1, 2024, in Rapid City.

“This incident involved an individual waving and pointing a gun at officers,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Under these circumstances, the officer was justified in using lethal force.”

The incident began when Rapid City Police were notified of a male individual, identified as Jesse Warbonnett, 27, of Rapid City, pointing a pistol at passing vehicles, businesses, and people at the intersection of Haines Avenue and Anamosa Street. Additional witnesses then reported Warbonnett was seen entering an apartment at the Hainesway Apartment Complex.

Warbonnett, who refused commands to surrender, pointed the pistol at two Rapid City Police officers who were located near the apartment. One of the officers shot Warbonnett through the apartment’s sliding glass door. Warbonnett was later pronounced deceased at a Rapid City hospital.

Lab results indicate that Warbonnett tested positive for methamphetamine. The officer tested negative for alcohol and drugs. No officers were injured in the incident.

DCI processed the crime scene, collected and analyzed evidence, reviewed forensic examinations, interviewed the officers involved, gathered witness statements, and viewed all available video.

The Attorney General and DCI thank the South Dakota Forensic Laboratory, the Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Hot Springs Police Department, and Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office for their cooperation and assistance.

DCI’s summary of the investigation can be found here: https://atg.sd.gov/docs/RAPID%20CITY%20NOV.%201%202024%20OIS%20SUMMARY.pdf

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