Attorney General Marty Jackley and the Division of Criminal Investigation say a Rapid City police officer was justified in shooting a man near a library in Rapid City.
The incident happened on February 21, following a call to service to the Rapid City Public Library. At approximately 6:10 pm, Officer Jerry Moore arrived at the public library and turned on his in-car video camera. At approximately 6:12 pm, Moore advised that
Elijah White Magpie had a knife and was chasing him. Officer Moore was still in his vehicle.
The in-car camera captures White Magpie wearing a black jacket and dark clothing and carrying a blue colored bandana in his left hand and a large knife in his right hand.
As the video begins, White Magpie is seen running after the patrol car with the large knife in his right hand, while the patrol car backs down the street. White Magpie then stops and begins walking back toward the library. Moore followed White Magpie at which time White Magpie turned around and ran at Officer Moore in his patrol car.
Moore again retreated by backing up his patrol car down the street. During this, Moore is heard on his police radio requesting back up to assist with the subject and also requests dispatch to tell the library to lock up the doors and not let the subject back in the building.
Moore also told other Officers responding that the subject has a large "butcher knife", is acting aggressive, and will attack them.
At approximately 6:13 pm, Canine Officer Marc Black arrived as the second officer on scene. The officers exited their patrol cars and shut the doors.
Officer Black began giving verbal commands to White Magpie, but White Magpie then advanced quickly in the direction of Officer Black with the large knife still in his right hand.
From the in-car video, Officer Black is heard stating, "Stop right there, stop right there, stop right there!"
Black deployed his taser but White Magpie ran threw it an attacked Officer Black. According to the police video, White Magpie is seen at an arm-length away trying to stab Officer Black.
Officer Moore was out of camera view when he shot his firearm a total of 6 times at White Magpie. Officers Moore and Black are then heard on police dispatch recording calling for Emergency Medical Services and then begin rendering first aid to White Magpie.
The Attorney General's Office ruled that Moore was justified in shooting his weapon, and the Division of Criminal Investigation ruled the officers' statements were consistent with the investigation of the scene.
