STURGIS, S.D. – A pursuit of a stolen vehicle lasted less than one minute before ending in a fatal collision Tuesday morning, according to the Sturgis Police Department.

Police Chief Geody Vandewater reported that officers located a stolen Ford F-250 at 10:39 a.m. following a report from a local residence. The situation escalated instantly when the driver, identified as 50-year-old Don Crisafulli of Sturgis, fled at a high rate of speed as officers approached.

The ensuing chase on Lazelle Street reached speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour. Vandewater noted the extreme brevity of the event, stating, “From time, the officer advised he was pursuing the pick up to the time that the accident occurred was 39 seconds.”

The pickup collided with a westbound white Honda Accord driven by 26-year-old Egon Lake of Whitewood. The impact was so severe that both drivers required extrication from their vehicles. Lake sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

“When the accident occurred, the officer was approximately 5 to 8 seconds behind the accident,” Vandewater said.

Crisafulli was transported by LifeFlight to a Rapid City hospital in critical condition. Authorities confirmed Thursday that his condition is improving.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, while Sturgis Police handle the criminal investigation. Criminal charges against Crisafulli are pending.

“The Sturgis Police Department will pursue known wanted criminals and traffic violators who fail to yield upon giving notice,” Vandewater said.