The police pursuit of a stolen vehicle last Tuesday morning lasted less than a minute before ending in a fatal crash, according to Sturgis police.
Officers located a stolen Ford F‑250 at about 10:39 a.m. and attempted to make contact when the driver fled at high speed. Police said the pursuit on Lazelle Street reached speeds of more than 70 miles per hour and lasted just 39 seconds.
The pickup collided with a westbound Honda Accord driven by 26‑year‑old Egon Lake of Whitewood. Lake died from his injuries. Police said the pursuing officer was only seconds behind when the crash occurred.
The pickup driver, identified as 50‑year‑old Don Crisafulli of Sturgis, was airlifted to a Rapid City hospital in critical condition. Authorities later said his condition is improving.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, while Sturgis police are handling the criminal investigation. Charges against Crisafulli are pending.
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