At around 3:50 p.m. on April 22nd, police were dispatched to 230 Knollwood Drive for a report of an assault. Police spoke with witnesses who stated they saw an elder male who was approached by a younger male outside of the business. The younger male demanded money, and when the elderly male would not comply, the younger male started to assault him. The assault continued as the elderly male entered the business. A younger couple attempted to intervene, but the assaultive male pushed the female to the ground before exiting the building and fleeing the scene. In the meantime, police responded to the area of Haines Avenue and I-90 for a report of a person who was stopping traffic and acting aggressive toward passing cars. This person matched the description of the male involved in the attempted robbery at 230 Knollwood Drive. As officers arrived, they located the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Thomas Thesing of Rapid City, standing in the middle of Haines Avenue blocking the flow of traffic. When Thomas saw police, he began to run to the north. An officer engaged in a short foot pursuit when Thomas stopped and began to walk back toward the officer. Thomas ignored commands to stop and get on the ground. As Thomas continued approaching the officer with his hands raised in a fighting stance, the officer deployed his Taser. The Taser was successful and police were able to get him into handcuffs. Thomas continued to act aggressively toward officers and medical personnel, even making threats to the life of an officer. He was placed in a WRAP safety restraint system before being transported to the Pennington County Jail. During the booking process, several syringes were located on Thomas’ person. All said and done, Thomas was arrested for 2nd Degree Robbery, Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, Threatening Law Enforcement, and a Warrant.
