On January 4th at around 6:30 a.m., police were dispatched to a residence in the 1200 block of Estes Park Court for a report of a disturbance. Dispatch advised a male suspect was attempting to force his way into the residence. As police were on their way to the location, it was reported that the male had gotten into a vehicle and intentionally crashed into another vehicle which was parked outside of the residence. After locating the suspect vehicle, police attempted a traffic stop on the car, but the driver did not stop. A short pursuit ended when the suspect driver lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, and struck a tree in the area of East Boulevard and Signal Drive. The driver, identified as 24-year-old Nicholas Graziano of Rapid City, refused commands to exit the vehicle and was pulled from the car. He was placed in handcuffs, but continued to refuse to cooperate with police. He was placed in the WRAP safety restraint system. Police noted the smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. Ultimately, Graziano was placed under arrest for Felony Destruction to Property, Eluding Law Enforcement, Reckless Driving, and DUI (2nd offence). He was transported to the Pennington County Jail.
Drinking and driving drastically increases your chances of bad outcomes. We’re thankful that this vehicle only struck a tree and did not seriously hurt or kill someone else.
