A Rapid City police officer shot and killed a man during a traffic stop Wednesday night. Police pulled an ATV over, but the operator, Harold Murphy, reportedly ran from the stop. After Murphy was tackled by a police officer he brandished a hand gun and began firing shots. Officer Jerrell Lewellen returned fire and killed Murphy. Interim Police Chief Karl Jegeris says it’s an unfortunate incident, but he’s relieved no one else was killed or injured.
“This was a very disturbing and violent incident and we are extremely thankful that our officers are safe and that they were able to keep the community safe. There is no doubt in my mind that this subject intended to do whatever it took to flee our officers including attempting to kill a Rapid City Police Officer,” said Jegeris.
Jegeris says the two officers involved are on paid administrative leave. He says as standard practice the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting.