SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A Sunday evening in Sioux Falls turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy as a high-speed hit-and-run driver tore through city streets at speeds exceeding 90 mph. The violent spree ended with a head-on collision, an assault on a police officer, and the heartbreaking death of a dog.
The suspect, identified as Dakota Thorstenson, 30, of Sioux Falls, is now facing a mountain of criminal charges after a series of events that police say demonstrated a “complete disregard for human life.”
The Pursuit: From a Verbal Taunt to a High-Speed Chase
The incident began around 7:40 p.m. near East 57th Street and Cliff Avenue. A Sioux Falls police officer spotted a Dodge Charger traveling westbound at an alarming speed. In a bizarre move, Thorstenson allegedly yelled something inaudible out of his window at the officer before floorng the accelerator.
Seconds later, the officer watched through his rearview mirror as the Charger slammed into a 2013 Chevy Impala, driven by an 18-year-old man. While the teenager miraculously escaped injury, the driver of the Charger didn’t stop to check. Instead, witnesses say the vehicle sped off at speeds estimated between 80 and 100 mph.
The Deadly Collision at South Rolling Green Avenue
The carnage reached its peak near 57th Street and South Rolling Green Avenue. According to police reports, Thorstenson’s Charger veered recklessly into the eastbound lanes, crashing head-on into a 2021 Buick Encore.
The impact was devastating:
- The Victim: A 47-year-old woman driving the Buick was rushed to a local hospital. While her injuries are reportedly non-life-threatening, the emotional trauma is immense.
- Tragic Loss: A dog inside the Buick Encore did not survive the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Calculated Speed: Investigators later determined that based on the time and distance traveled, Thorstenson was moving at approximately 91 mph at the moment of impact.
Violence Against Law Enforcement and Arrest
The drama didn’t end with the crash. Following the head-on collision, Thorstenson allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot. When an officer caught up to him, the suspect reportedly turned violent, assaulting the officer by shoving him to the ground.
It took the arrival of back-up and the deployment of a Taser to finally bring the suspect into custody. During a subsequent search, officers discovered a handgun concealed in Thorstenson’s pants. Inside the wrecked Dodge Charger, police found an open bottle of tequila and marijuana, further painting a picture of a night fueled by intoxication.
A Laundry List of Charges
Thorstenson now remains behind bars, facing a long list of felony and misdemeanor charges, including:
- Felony Hit and Run & Vehicular Battery
- DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) & Reckless Driving
- Fleeing Police & Resisting Arrest
- Simple Assault on Law Enforcement
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
- Multiple additional traffic violations.
Community Impact: A Call for Safer Streets
This incident has sparked a renewed conversation among Sioux Falls residents regarding the rise in reckless driving. The intersection of 57th and Cliff is a busy corridor, and many locals are expressing relief that the 18-year-old Impala driver and other bystanders weren’t more seriously hurt.
The officer involved in the struggle sustained minor injuries but is expected to be fine. However, the loss of the pet in the Buick Encore has left a somber cloud over the community, as the victim recovers from her injuries.
What is your reaction to this reckless spree? Should Sioux Falls implement stricter penalties for high-speed offenders, or is there a bigger issue with DUI enforcement?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow for more local crime updates.
