Pursuit

At around 10:45 p.m. on April 14th, police observed a Chevy Blazer travelling north on North Maple Avenue with a non-illuminated rear license plate. Police attempted to stop the vehicle and it turned into the parking lot at 1721 North Maple Avenue. The vehicle proceeded through the parking lot without stopping and turned south on North Maple Ave. The pursuit continued eastbound on E. Anamosa Street and eventually circled back to the parking lot at 1721 North Maple Ave. As the Blazer exited the parking lot, an officer was attempting to deploy spike strips when the suspect vehicle attempted to drive at the officer. The officer had to run out of the way to avoid getting hit, but the spike deployment was successful before the vehicle exited the parking lot. The suspect vehicle then made its way east again. As it was southbound on Elk Vale Road, the vehicle turned into the opposing lane of traffic and the pursuit was terminated for safety reasons. A short time later, the suspect vehicle was again spotted southbound on Elk Vale Road and officers reengaged the pursuit. Police continued to pursue the suspect vehicle until it turned into the parking lot of 230 Knollwood Drive. The suspect driver attempted to drive off-road from the parking lot and got stuck in a snowbank. The driver refused officer commands to exit the vehicle, so the window was broken and the driver was pulled from the car. The driver was identified as 31-year-old Joseph Hornbeck of Rapid City. He was placed under arrest for Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Aggravated Eluding, Speeding, Failure to Obey a Traffic Signal, Stop Sign Violation, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road, Driving Under Suspension, and a Probation Hold.

Here is a picture taken of the suspect vehicle after the conclusion of the pursuit.