FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 1, 2026
Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Sioux Falls man has been sentenced to 100 years in prison after earlier being convicted by a Union County jury on seven felony counts, including three counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, stemming from an April 1, 2025 incident near Beresford.
Samir Albaidhani (Sha-mir All-ba-DON-ee), 26, was sentenced Monday in Union County Circuit Court. He had been convicted March 18, 2026 following a trial in Union County of three counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, three counts of Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer and one count of Aggravated Eluding Law Enforcement.
“Violent attacks against law enforcement officers are attacks on the rule of law itself, and the prosecution of these crimes will remain my top priority,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “I am grateful these officers survived while carrying out their duty to protect our communities.”
The 2025 incident began in Sioux Falls when Albaidhani fled from law enforcement officers attempting a traffic stop. He led officers south on Interstate 29, exiting near Beresford, where he lost control and entered a ditch. Albaidhani then exited the vehicle and fired multiple shots at pursuing officers before attempting to flee on foot.
A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper used his patrol vehicle in an effort to stop him. After Albaidhani fell to the ground, he again reached for a weapon, prompting the trooper to discharge his firearm and strike Albaidhani in the arm. He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury.
South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) determined that the involved Sioux Falls Police officers and the Highway Patrol trooper were justified in their use of force.
DCI was assisted by the Beresford Police Department in the Union County investigation. The case was prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
Albaidhani also faces separate pending charges in Minnehaha County. He is presumed innocent on those matters under the United States Constitution.
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