Pursuit leads to capture of South Dakota murder suspect

A pursuit down Interstate 80 in western Nebraska led to the arrest of a man wanted in connection with an April 22 homicide in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Wednesday evening, April 27, the Nebraska State Patrol was alerted by South Dakota authorities that a male wanted in connection with a homicide in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, may be driving a white Oldsmobile 88 heading west on Interstate 80.

Just after 8:30 p.m., a trooper spotted a vehicle matching the description westbound on I-80 near Lodgepole, in Cheyenne County. The trooper attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The vehicle stopped briefly at which time two women and an infant got out of the car. The suspect then sped away.

A pursuit ensued continuing westbound on I-80. During the pursuit the suspect fired shots out of the driver’s side window at the patrol units attempting to stop the vehicle. Troopers did not return fire. The Wyoming Patrol was notified the vehicle was approaching the state line. As the vehicle entered into Wyoming spike strips flattened tires on the vehicle which then came to a stop on I-80 several miles west of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. The suspect, identified as Jared J. Stone, 21, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was taken into custody by the Wyoming Highway Patrol and lodged in the Laramie County jail.

No troopers were injured in the pursuit which covered approximately 65 miles reaching speeds of up to 100 mph. The two females and the infant initially let out of the vehicle were released.

“The situation could have had a tragic outcome as this individual was determined to evade authorities at all costs,” said Captain Jamey Balthazor, Commander Troop E- Scottsbluff. “This was a cooperative effort between various agencies in three states. We are grateful no one was hurt and law enforcement was able to get him off the road and into custody.”