4/10/24 Watertown, SD – Suspect Traveling Over 100 MPH – Stopped By Deputies With Spike Strips – Suspect Tries To Steal Patrol Car – Suspect Tased – Tries To Flee – Under Arrest

April 10, 2024

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On the evening of April 9, 2024, a high-speed chase unfolded on Interstate 29, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old Ryan Gapp of Sioux Falls. The incident began when the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle traveling at 107 mph across both travel lanes at mile marker 134.

The vehicle did not stop and continued traveling in both northbound lanes, nearly striking other vehicles as it passed. As the vehicle entered Codington County, deputies deployed spike strips at mile marker 170, successfully deflating its tires and bringing the vehicle to a halt.

Gapp immediately exited his vehicle and aggressively advanced toward the Deputy, concealing one of his hands. Not knowing if Gapp was armed, the Deputy used his vehicle as cover. Gapp then gained entry to the patrol vehicle.

Assisting agencies arrived on the scene to aid the Deputy. A struggle ensued, and Gapp began attempting to put the vehicle in drive and rev the engine. A South Dakota State Trooper fired three rounds from his duty weapon into the rear driver’s side tire of the patrol vehicle in an effort to disable it.

Despite multiple Taser deployments by assisting agencies, Gapp continued his attempt to flee. However, officers were able to turn off the patrol vehicle ignition. Gapp then exited the patrol vehicle, and the Deputy successfully deployed his Taser, safely placing Gapp under arrest.

A subsequent search of Gapp’s person revealed a large buck knife and two loaded magazines to a firearm. A loaded firearm and more ammunition were found in the vehicle during a search. Gapp was then transported back to Brookings County and is being held on a $5000 cash bond for charges including Aggravated Eluding, Ingestion of a Controlled Drug or Substance as a Felony, Commit or Attempt to Commit Felony with a Firearm, Grand Theft, DUI 1st, Reckless Driving, Loaded Firearm in Possession While Intoxicated, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction, Speeding, and Lane Driving.

No officers or the suspect sustained severe injuries in the incident. The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Deuel County Sheriff’s Office, Codington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota DCI, and Watertown Ambulance Service were all instrumental in controlling the situation. The incident remains under investigation by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.