DCI Investigating Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Beresford

Northeast Radio SD News - Beresford, SD - The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has launched an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of an Aurora man Friday night in Beresford.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that DCI agents are reviewing the incident that occurred on Nov. 21 involving a Beresford Police Department officer.

According to the release, a Beresford officer initiated a traffic stop on a Ford Explorer at approximately 8:48 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of the Truck Towne Travel Plaza along Highway 46. The shooting took place during the course of the stop.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 36-year-old Christopher John Pearson of Aurora, S.D., was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that an autopsy is planned. The police officer involved was not injured in the incident.

"DCI will conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation, and I will release a final report within 30 days," Jackley stated. "We thank the law enforcement agencies that are helping with the investigation. There is no further danger to the public."

DCI is currently processing the crime scene and will conduct a forensic examination of all collected evidence. Agents will also interview involved parties and review available video footage. A summary of the findings will be issued upon completion of the investigation.

Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Beresford Police Department, and the Lincoln County State’s Attorney’s Office.

This incident marks the seventh officer-involved shooting in South Dakota in 2025.