Sioux Falls Officers Justified in Fatal July 7 Shooting, South Dakota DCI Review Finds

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - A South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) review has determined that two Sioux Falls Police Department officers were justified in their use of force during a July 7 officer‑involved shooting that left one man dead and injured a police officer, according to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

“The suspect refused to obey officers’ commands and fired his weapon at law enforcement,” Attorney General Jackley said. “He presented a clear and present danger. The officers were justified in their actions.”

The incident began when Sioux Falls Police responded to a residence in the 3200 block of E. 20th Street after a caller reported that James R. Meyer, 55, of Sioux Falls, had possibly shot himself in his garage. Officers entered the garage and found Meyer lying in a vehicle with a gun held to his head. He was not injured.

Officers exited the garage and established a perimeter in the driveway. Meyer refused repeated commands to put down the firearm and exit the vehicle. He later began firing a pistol at officers, at one point discharging 12 shots in rapid succession. Several rounds struck a police vehicle, and one round struck a Sioux Falls Police officer.

A second officer returned fire, striking and killing Meyer. The injured officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

DCI investigators processed the scene, conducted forensic examinations, interviewed involved personnel, and reviewed video from in‑car and body‑worn cameras. Meyer’s 9mm Glock pistol was recovered at the scene.

Toxicology results showed Meyer had a Blood Alcohol Content of .124 percent and tested positive for Delta‑9 THC. Blood and urine samples from both officers tested negative for alcohol and illegal drugs. Investigators found no criminal history for Meyer.

Agencies assisting DCI included the South Dakota Forensic Lab and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. The Sioux Falls Police Department cooperated fully with the investigation.

This is the third officer‑involved shooting in South Dakota in 2026.

Read more local & state news at www.northeastradiosd.com/news

Subscribe to the DAILY newsletter & download the LOCAL online RADIO app - https://zurl.co/QipXd