12/29/20 Fatal Crash

At around 4:55 p.m. on December 29th, police were dispatched to the 1100 block of West Omaha Street for a report of a vehicle-vs-pedestrian crash that had just occurred. On arrival, police located a female who had been struck by an SUV who was lying in the roadway. Police spoke to multiple witnesses who indicated the female was last seen walking into the roadway before being struck by the eastbound SUV. She was declared deceased on scene. She is identified as 37-year-old Terri Leading Fighter of Rapid City. Surveillance video from the area was reviewed and corroborated witness statements. At this point in the investigation, police have no reason to believe that alcohol or speed is a factor on the part of the driver of the SUV. Other contributing factors to the crash include:

  • The pedestrian stepped into the roadway well outside of an established intersection or crosswalk without the right-of-way.
  • The pedestrian was wearing dark-colored clothing at the time of the crash.
  • Preliminary blood testing shows a high concentration of alcohol in Leading Fighter’s blood.

The extensive investigation and reconstruction of this crash are still ongoing. The investigation continues to be conducted by the RCPD’s Critical Accident Reconstruction Team with the assistance of the joint RCPD/PCSO Drone Team.