RCPC Special Response Team responds to barricaded subject

 Pennington County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an emergency assistance call from the National Park Service on Highway 244 at approximately 8:20 pm, Sunday, June 24, 2018. A male had been stopped by Rangers for traffic related offenses. During this encounter a handgun was produced. The subject retreated to his conversion van, barricaded himself inside and began making statements clearly indicating he wanted to harm himself.

The Special Response Team (SRT) was called out as the investigation determined the man had additional firearms. After several hours of negotiations, at 2:30 am Monday, June 25, 2018, SRT made entry into the vehicle and found the subject deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Captain Tony Harrison with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office says it was an unfortunate situation. “The safety of the public and this individual were paramount. Unfortunately it came to a tragic end,” according to Captain Harrison. “We always encourage those who feel depressed to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.”

Responding agencies include Mount Rushmore National Park Service Rangers, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Rapid City Police, Rapid City Fire, Emergency Services Communication Center, Battle Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and Rapid City Police Department are attempting to contact next of kin. At this time we are withholding the New Mexico man’s identity.