RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City police are responding to questions following the death of a man who was being transported to the Pennington County Jail after an arrest earlier this week.
Authorities say officers used a full-body restraint device known as the WRAP, which is designed to limit movement while keeping a person in an upright seated position. Police say the device is typically used when someone is combative, kicking, or poses a risk to themselves or others.
According to Rapid City police, officers are trained to monitor a restrained person’s breathing and condition, and to request medical assistance if signs of distress are observed. Department officials say the WRAP is intended to quickly end physical struggles and reduce the risk of injury compared to other restraint methods.
Police report the device is used infrequently, with officers deploying it 101 times since January of 2025.
Because the death occurred while the man was in custody, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation with assistance from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. No further details have been released.
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