STURGIS, SD – A 15-year-old girl escaped from a residence in Sturgis after reportedly being held against her will, sexually assaulted, and forced to take illegal drugs, according to the Sturgis Police Department.
Police located the girl and began an investigation that led them to a suspect and the residence where the crimes allegedly occurred. While conducting surveillance, officers saw the suspect leave the residence with three other individuals in a vehicle. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, prompting a high-speed pursuit through Sturgis, Deadwood, Lead, and into Spearfish Canyon.
During the chase, items believed to be drug paraphernalia and controlled substances were thrown from the vehicle. The pursuit ended just before reaching the Spearfish city limits. All four individuals in the vehicle were taken into custody.
The driver, identified as Michael Wilson of Sturgis, was arrested on multiple felony charges including rape, aggravated kidnapping, drug-related offenses, and charges related to the pursuit.
Multiple agencies assisted in the pursuit and arrest, including the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Deadwood Police, Lead Police, Spearfish Police, and a Bureau of Land Management officer.
The investigation remains ongoing. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
