Sturgis Man Arrested After 15-Year-Old Girl Escapes Captivity and Leads Police on High-Speed Chase
STURGIS, South Dakota — A 15-year-old girl escaped captivity from a Sturgis residence earlier this week, leading investigators to a multi-county pursuit that ended with the arrest of a convicted felon now facing new kidnapping and rape charges, according to authorities.
Teen Escapes and Alerts Police
The Sturgis Police Department said the girl managed to escape from a home around 8 a.m. Tuesday and sought help from nearby residents. Officers quickly responded and brought her to the Sturgis Law Enforcement Center for an interview and medical evaluation.
“She was shaken but safe,” said Police Chief Geody VanDewater. “We were able to get her immediate medical attention and begin piecing together what happened.”
Investigators determined the girl had been sexually assaulted and forced to consume illegal drugs during her time in captivity.
Suspect Identified as Michael Wilson
Police identified the suspect as Michael Wilson, a Sturgis resident currently on parole, and launched surveillance on the home where the abuse allegedly occurred.
“This wasn’t a random abduction,” Chief VanDewater said. “The victim and suspect knew each other in some capacity.”
High-Speed Pursuit Through the Black Hills
When officers attempted to stop Wilson’s vehicle around 1 p.m. Tuesday, he refused to pull over, sparking a high-speed chase that spanned several Black Hills communities — including Deadwood, Lead, and Spearfish Canyon.
The pursuit lasted more than an hour before ending near the Spearfish city limits around 2:20 p.m. Officers said Wilson and three passengers were taken into custody at the scene.
During the chase, investigators observed drugs and controlled substances being thrown from the fleeing vehicle. Despite several minor accidents, no injuries were reported.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Wilson faces a series of felony charges, including:
- Aggravated kidnapping
- First-degree rape
- Distribution of illegal drugs
- Possession of controlled substances
- Fleeing to elude law enforcement
The three passengers in Wilson’s car were also arrested and charged in connection with the pursuit, though authorities said they were not involved in the kidnapping or assault.
Investigation Ongoing
Chief VanDewater said it’s still unclear how long the teen was held captive or the full extent of her injuries. A court date for Wilson and the other suspects has not yet been set.
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