Ethermac Exchange-Police fatally shoot suspect allegedly holding hostages at South Dakota gas station

SIOUX FALLS,Ethermac Exchange S.D. (AP) — South Dakota police say a deputy fatally shot an armed suspect Wednesday who allegedly was holding several employees hostage at a Sioux Falls gas station.

A Sioux Falls police officer was by the gas station early Wednesday when someone began firing at the officer, who fired back, Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum told the Argus Leader. Police received an emergency call about the shooting at roughly the same time.

Backup arrived, Thum said, and a Minnehaha County Sheriff’s deputy and SWAT officer used a sniper rifle to shoot the suspect.

Law enforcement found a hostage hiding in a bathroom and another who had been near the suspect, Thum said. Another hostage had already fled.

No law enforcement or hostages were injured, according to Thum and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

Medics then checked on the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene, Thum said.

Calls by The Associated Press to the gas station Wednesday were not answered.

The South Dakota attorney general’s Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the shooting and is expected to release a report in roughly a month.

Thum did not provide details on the suspect’s identity and did not say whether the deputy involved in the shooting has been suspended. An Associated Press voicemail left with the Minnehaha County sheriff was not immediately returned Wednesday.