ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- On Wednesday at about 11:49 this morning, officers responded to report of people shooting a suppressed rifle in the 300 blk of N. Kline St. The caller reported they could see and hear the shots being fired and had pictures as well as video to share with the officers when they arrived. The picture, which is shown here, showed what appeared to be a suppressed AR style rifle and in the video the sounds of shots were apparent.
Officers responded and began to contain the area. At the same time officers responded to Roncalli Primary School because of the close proximity to the residence where the incident was reported. Officers remained at the school until this incident was resolved.
Officers began to communicate with the subjects at the residence, and they would not comply with the officer’s request to come out and talk. The Special Response Team was activated. Area residents were contacted and asked to leave or secure in place. Barricades were set up and several streets in the area were blocked off.
At about 2:30 pm, this call was resolved when the occupants of the residence did come out and met with the officers. Through this investigation, it was learned that the rifle in question was an airsoft AR style rifle that uses propane to propel small airsoft pellets. One of the occupants was cited for discharging an air gun within the limits of the city.
As this call was beginning, a person stopped and told officers of a second a person walking with a gun in the area of 1000 blk of 6th Ave SW. Officers responded and checked the area. Officers and local parole officers also responded and stayed at Lincoln Elementary until this second, unconnected call was resolved. Out of an abundance of caution, parole officers remained at Lincoln Elementary School until it was dismissed for the day. Officers checked available cameras and spoke with area businesses, it does not appear there was anyone walking with a gun in the area of 1000 blk of 6th Ave SW.
As a reminder it is illegal to discharge any air gun or similar device within the city limits. Air guns such as the one pictured here that look like actual firearms may cause public alarm and could generate a significant law enforcement response.
We would like to thank the members of the public, our local school staff, and the residents of the area for their patience as we worked through this incident. We would also like to thank our partner agencies for their assistance.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Parole, Highway Patrol, Brown County Emergency Management, Aberdeen Fire and Rescue, and Aberdeen Public Works all assisted in an organized coordinated response.