Operation: Prairie Thunder saturation patrols reach Sturgis and Winner
- Steve Jurrens
- Dec 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - The South Dakota Highway Patrol recently concluded its ninth series of saturation patrols under “Operation: Prairie Thunder,” focusing enforcement efforts in the communities of Sturgis and Winner.
The operation, which ran from Dec. 17 to Dec. 19, is part of an ongoing initiative to bolster community-based public safety through partnerships between state, city, county, and federal law enforcement agencies. Officials noted that while the patrols were active in both locations, the Sturgis operation was partially curtailed as troopers were diverted to other unrelated incidents in the area.
Operation Nine Results
During the three-day window, law enforcement activity was particularly concentrated in Winner. Key statistics from the ninth operation include:
· Arrests: 13 individuals were taken into custody across both locations, with 12 of those arrests occurring in Winner.
· Drug Enforcement: A total of 42 drug charges were filed during this period, including six felony charges.
· Traffic Safety: Troopers and local partners recorded three DUIs and issued 77 citations and 117 warnings.
· Warrants and Pursuits: In Winner, officers served three misdemeanor warrants and engaged in one pursuit.
Cumulative Impact Since August
Since Operation: Prairie Thunder began on Aug. 27, 2025, the cumulative impact on regional safety has been substantial. Over the course of nine operations, law enforcement has accounted for the following totals:
· Total Custody: 419 individuals have been taken into custody.
· Drug Interdiction: 1,059 total drug charges have been filed, consisting of 308 felonies and 751 misdemeanors.
· Seizures and Warrants: Officers have seized eight guns and $8,064 in U.S. currency while clearing 247 warrants.
· Traffic Totals: Cumulative traffic enforcement has resulted in 38 DUIs and more than 4,400 combined citations and warnings.
The Highway Patrol, an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, continues to use these focused patrols to share resources and support public safety efforts across the state.
