WHITE, S.D. — A reported shots-fired incident in Brookings County over the weekend has resulted in a misdemeanor charge after investigators determined the claim was fabricated.
According to the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 6:35 p.m. Saturday, May 2, to a report from a White resident who said his roommate, 26-year-old Elijah Arias, had been shot at while driving between Brookings and White.
Authorities, assisted by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, began investigating and gathered descriptions of a suspected vehicle and individuals allegedly involved.
However, follow-up interviews and investigative work revealed the incident did not occur as reported. Investigators determined Arias had been driving his roommate’s vehicle and fired a Colt 1911 handgun out the window into a ditch. One of the rounds struck the vehicle, leading Arias to panic and report a false incident.
Officials said there was no threat to the public at any time.
Arias was arrested and charged with filing a false report, a Class 1 misdemeanor. He was taken to the Brookings County Detention Center and later released on a personal recognizance bond.
The Brookings Police Department and South Dakota Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation.
