FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

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

Attorney General Jackley, DCI Rule March 31 Sioux Falls

Police Department Officer Involved Shooting Justified

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) review has determined that two Sioux Falls Police Department Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) detectives were justified in their use of force during an Officer Involved Shooting that occurred March 31 in Sioux Falls.

“This suspect pointed a weapon at the detectives and threatened to harm others at the scene,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Based on the evidence collected in the investigation, the two detectives were justified in their use of force. This case demonstrates the importance of K-9 units keeping communities safe across South Dakota.”

The March 31 incident began when members of the VCU located Richard Olson Jr., 36 of Sioux Falls, in a vehicle at a Sioux Falls business. The unit had previously received information that Olson Jr. was in possession of a firearm while on federal probation. There was an active federal warrant for Olson Jr.’s arrest for a federal probation violation.

VCU detectives used their vehicles to block Olson Jr.’s vehicle from leaving the scene. Olson Jr. was seen in the vehicle pointing a pistol at his head. A female passenger left the suspect’s vehicle and was removed from the scene by law enforcement.

Olson Jr. later exited the vehicle and refused to comply with the detectives’ commands. The suspect pulled a pistol from his sweatshirt and pointed it at the detectives.

Two detectives fired at Olson Jr. He was not struck but fell backward to the ground. The suspect then tried to run from the scene, but a Sioux Falls Police Department K-9 was deployed and apprehended Olson Jr.

Olson Jr. sustained minor injuries from the dog bite and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He was later taken into custody. The two detectives were not injured. 

DCI processed the crime scene, conducted a forensic examination of evidence, interviewed those involved, and reviewed all available video from traffic surveillance cameras, in-car cameras and body worn cameras. The Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol, which was dropped by Olson Jr., was recovered at the scene.

Olson’s blood and urine samples tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. Blood and urine samples of the detectives tested negative for alcohol or illegal drugs.

When Olson Jr. was arrested, he was in possession of a white powdery substance. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine.

Olson Jr. had a history of criminal offenses including assault against law enforcement, aggravated assault without a weapon, domestic assault, and possession of controlled substances.

Law enforcement agencies that assisted DCI were the South Dakota Forensic Lab, South Dakota State Health Lab, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. The Sioux Falls Police Department cooperated with the investigation.

Attorney General Jackley said Olson Jr. is in custody, and charges are pending with the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office. The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

This is the second Officer Involved Shooting in South Dakota this year,

Link to the Officer Involved Shooting can be found here:

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