PIERRE, S.D – Attorney General Marty Jackley and the Division of Criminal Investigation today released the shooting summary following the investigation into the shooting of Scott H. Mollman on April 6, 2011, in Rapid City, South Dakota.
The Division of Criminal Investigation, assisted by the Rapid City Police Department and the South Dakota Highway Patrol, conducted the investigation at the request of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on April 6, 2011, following calls for service in Pennington County. Deputy Ed Johnson responded to two calls regarding a vehicle which was driving erratically near Black Hawk, South Dakota. Deputy Johnson arrived at the registered vehicle owner’s address in his duty vehicle and uniform; knocked on the front door; and while waiting for a response heard a gunshot from a garage near the house. Deputy Johnson then approached the garage entrance where he noticed an individual later identified as Mollman, carrying a firearm in each hand. Deputy Johnson gave several verbal commands, which Mollman did not comply. Deputy Johnson could see that Mollman had his right hand index finger on the trigger and his thumb on the hammer of the revolver. Mollman was approximately 8-10 feet away from Deputy Johnson when Mollman stated, “Why, why put the guns down? Haven’t you heard of death by cop?” Deputy Johnson used lethal force to ensure safety for himself. It is the conclusion of this report and the Attorney General that Deputy Ed Johnson was justified in firing his weapon.
The Attorney General would like to thank the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Johnson, and the family of the deceased for their complete cooperation in this investigation. Attorney General Jackley would further like to send condolences of the family of the deceased.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 21, 2011
CONTACT: Sara Rabern, (605) 773-3215
