South Dakota Man Arrested After Alleged Kidnapping, S*xual Assault Leads to High-Speed Chase Through Spearfish Canyon
RAPID CITY, South Dakota — A Sturgis man is facing a long list of felony charges after a 15-year-old girl escaped captivity and police say he led them on a high-speed chase through multiple Black Hills towns Tuesday afternoon.
Teen Reported She Was Held Against Her Will
According to the Sturgis Police Department, officers were called on October 7 after a teenage girl reported escaping from a residence where she had allegedly been s*xually assaulted, held captive, and forced to consume illegal drugs.
Police located the girl and took her to the Meade County Law Enforcement Center, where she gave a detailed account of the abuse. Based on her statement, investigators identified Michael Wilson of Sturgis as the suspect.
High-Speed Pursuit Through Multiple Towns
Authorities began surveillance on the suspect’s home, but before officers could intervene, Wilson and three others left the residence in a vehicle, with Wilson driving.
When police attempted a traffic stop, Wilson reportedly refused to pull over, sparking a high-speed pursuit through Sturgis, Deadwood, and Lead, before continuing into Spearfish Canyon.
During the chase, officers observed drugs and paraphernalia being thrown from the vehicle. Efforts to use spike strips failed, and the pursuit ended only when police boxed the car in near the Spearfish city limits.
Multiple Arrests and Felony Charges
All four occupants of the car were taken into custody without further incident.
Michael Wilson now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Aggravated kidnapping
- First-degree rape
- Distribution of illegal drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Fleeing to elude law enforcement
The three passengers are also facing charges connected to the pursuit and drug offenses.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under active investigation by Sturgis Police, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Authorities are also processing evidence recovered along the chase route, including the items discarded from the suspect’s car.
Officials say additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
For ongoing updates on South Dakota crime, police chases, and justice news, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
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