LEAD, S.D. – Law enforcement in the Northern Hills say the driver of a pickup truck suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing following a high-speed pursuit Friday.

The pursuit began after the Deadwood Police Department attempted to stop the vehicle after it was seen traveling through Deadwood at a high rate of speed.

The truck ended up crashing in the 400 block of South Main Street in Lead after it left the roadway and struck a large tree in front of a residence.  

The driver was ejected and suffered serious, life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters and EMS crews from Monument Health Northern Hills Ambulance worked to stabilize the patient, who was later flown to Rapid City by Black Hills Life Flight.

The road was closed for the duration of the incident, and traffic was stopped to ensure the safety of crews working the scene. Firefighters confirmed the nearby residence sustained no damage, and Black Hills Energy was requested to confirm that power in the area remained safe.

The incident is under investigation by the Deadwood Police Department, Lead Police Department and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.