PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and the Division of Criminal Investigation announced Tuesday that a review into a March 31 officer involved shooting has concluded that two Sioux Falls Police Department detectives were justified in their use of force.

The incident occurred after members of the Sioux Falls Violent Crimes Unit located 36-year-old Richard Olson Jr. in a vehicle at a local business. Olson was the subject of an active federal warrant for a probation violation and was believed to be in possession of a firearm.

According to the investigation, detectives used their vehicles to block Olson’s car from leaving. While inside the vehicle, Olson was observed pointing a pistol at his head. A female passenger was able to leave the vehicle and was safely removed from the area by law enforcement.

Olson later exited the vehicle but refused to comply with commands. He pulled a pistol from his sweatshirt and pointed it at the detectives, prompting two officers to fire their weapons. Olson was not struck by the gunfire but fell to the ground before attempting to flee on foot. A police K-9 was deployed to apprehend him.

“This suspect pointed a weapon at the detectives and threatened to harm others at the scene,” Jackley said. “Based on the evidence collected in the investigation, the two detectives were justified in their use of force. This case demonstrates the importance of K-9 units keeping communities safe across South Dakota.”

Olson sustained minor injuries from the K-9 apprehension and was treated at a local hospital before being taken into custody. Neither detective was injured during the encounter.

The DCI investigation included a forensic examination of the scene, interviews, and a review of surveillance, in-car, and body-worn camera footage. Investigators recovered a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol that Olson had dropped.

Toxicology results showed Olson’s blood and urine samples tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. He was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest. Both detectives tested negative for alcohol or drugs.

Olson has a criminal history that includes domestic assault, possession of controlled substances, and assault against law enforcement. He remains in custody with charges pending through the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Sioux Falls Police Department Shooting Summary: