The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 4 that a man was arrested following a false report of shots fired near White, South Dakota. According to the statement, deputies responded to a call on May 2 from a resident who claimed his roommate, Elijah Arias, had been shot at while driving between Brookings and White.
Authorities said they investigated the incident with help from the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Arias provided details about an alleged suspect vehicle and individuals involved. After further investigation and interviews in Brookings, including speaking with owners of similar vehicles, law enforcement determined that the incident did not happen as described.
Investigators found that Arias had used his roommate’s vehicle and discharged a Colt 1911 out the window into a ditch. One round struck the vehicle itself, which led Arias to panic and fabricate the story about being shot at. The sheriff’s office confirmed there was no threat to public safety during this event.
Arias was arrested for making a false report, classified as a Class 1 Misdemeanor. He was taken to the Brookings County Detention Center and later released on personal recognizance bond.
The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office generates revenue through fees for services such as civilian fingerprinting and civil process handling according to its official website. The agency also operates community programs like Neighborhood Watch to encourage resident involvement in reducing crime according to its official website. Its main facility includes an adult detention center with capacity for up to 84 inmates and provides kitchen, laundry, and medical support according to its official website.
The sheriff’s office works with neighboring counties—Deuel, Hamlin, Kingsbury, Lake, and Moody—to house adult inmates when needed according to its official website. Staffing includes full-time law enforcement officers as well as correctional officers and nursing personnel according to its official website. The department states it is committed to protecting residents by preventing crime, apprehending suspects, supporting prosecutions, managing secure custody operations and responding promptly to emergencies or accidents according to its official website.
