North Dakota Man Pleads Guilty to Vehicular Battery at Sturgis Rally

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Northeast Radio SD News - Sturgis, SD - A Watford City, North Dakota, man has pleaded guilty to one count of felony vehicular battery for an incident that occurred during the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, according to an announcement from South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

Robert Shipp, 37, entered a guilty plea on Friday in Meade County Circuit Court. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, scheduled to be sentenced on December 12.

Attorney General Jackley commented on the outcome, stating, “This was a violent crime that could have been avoided. The victim is suffering long-term consequences because of the defendant’s actions.”

The incident took place on August 10, 2024, at a local campground when Shipp was operating a motorcycle and struck a female pedestrian.

The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecution is being handled jointly by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and the Meade County State’s Attorney’s Office.