PIERRE A South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation review indicates that an officer with the Rapid City Police Department was justified in a shooting that occurred Nov. 1 in Rapid City.
This incident involved an individual waving and pointing a gun at officers, said South Dakota Attorney General Marty 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 near the apartment. One of the officers shot Warbonnett through the apartments sliding glass door. Warbonnett was later pronounced dead 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.
DCIs summary of the investigation can be found here.
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