DCI review clears Rapid City police officer in fatal shooting

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says a Division of Criminal Investigation review has determined that a Rapid City Police officer was justified in the shooting death of a man during a hostage situation on February 3rd.

It began when the officer responded to a reported armed robbery at a Rapid City business. Upon arrival, the officer encountered Erik James Wright outside the business holding a clerk at knife point.

Wright let the hostage go but refused to drop the knife. He ran towards the officer and was shot multiple times. Wright was transported to a Rapid City hospital where he later died.

Jackley says the suspect presented a clear and present danger to the public and the officer.

Video and audio recordings, interviews of officers and witnesses, and examination of evidence corroborated the findings of DCI investigators and the officer’s account.

March 8, 2023