STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Sheriff’s Office says an individual fatally shot themself in the parking lot of a business on Friday.

According to a release, at approximately 10:43 a.m., the 911 Communications Center in Spearfish received a report of a subject traveling eastbound on Interstate 90 while reportedly holding a firearm. The caller expressed concern for the driver’s welfare.

Shortly thereafter, the South Dakota Highway Patrol located the vehicle traveling eastbound on I-90. An attempt to conduct a traffic stop was unsuccessful as the driver continued into Sturgis. The vehicle exited the interstate and entered the parking lot at 2651 Whitewood Service Road.

As the vehicle came to a stop and troopers approached, the driver sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Identification of the deceased is pending notification of next of kin.  

Additional officers and deputies from the Sturgis Police Department and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. Due to the circumstances surrounding this incident, the Sturgis Police Department and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a joint investigation.

In the release, the Meade County Sheriff’s office wrote “Our agencies do not typically issue press releases regarding suicide-related incidents. However, because this event occurred in a highly public setting and generated significant public concern, we believe it is appropriate to provide accurate information to the community.”