South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has confirmed that the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting an inquiry into an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday night, November 21, in Beresford. The incident involved a Beresford Police Department officer.
The shooting took place during a traffic stop at 8:48 p.m. in the parking lot of the Truck Towne Travel Plaza on Highway 46. A Beresford Police Officer had stopped a Ford Explorer driven by Christopher John Pearson, 36, of Aurora, South Dakota. Pearson was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled. The officer was not injured.
DCI investigators will process the crime scene, conduct forensic testing on collected evidence, interview witnesses, and review all available video footage. A summary report will be issued once the investigation is complete.
Jackley stated he will issue a report within 30 days.
Agencies assisting in the investigation include the South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Beresford Police Department, and the Lincoln County State’s Attorney’s Office.
This marks the seventh officer-involved shooting in South Dakota in 2025.
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