Alleged Drunken Driver Crashes Into Police Station In South Dakota

An allegedly drunken driver in South Dakota crashed into a police station early Sunday, smashing through a glass exterior and into an office space with computer desks, police said.

The Rapid City Police Department said a 2002 GMC Yukon struck the department’s southwest precinct at the corner of Catron Boulevard and Sheridan Lake Road at around 3:30 a.m. Sunday. The driver and sole occupant, identified as 36-year-old Kelsey Herrald, was thrown from the vehicle before it struck the building.

Surveillance video and investigation revealed Herrald was traveling southbound on Sheridan Lake Road and attempted to turn east onto Catron Boulevard when the vehicle struck the median, lost control, and entered oncoming traffic lanes. Herrald then circled northbound, driving over a curb, and went down a small embankment before hitting the building.

Photos shared by police show the SUV’s front end wedged into the glass exterior of the building. Inside, shattered glass and other debris can be seen in a small office area with computers on desks. Police said that “fortunately” officers were out on patrol and no one was inside at the time of the crash.

Officers who approached Herrald “could smell alcohol and noticed signs of impairment,” police said. A preliminary breath test showed Herrald’s blood alcohol level was .217, nearly three times the legal limit.

Herrald was transported to a hospital for treatment of serious but not life-threatening injuries before being arrested for DUI (second offense), no insurance, and driving without a license.

“There is no excuse for driving while impaired. If you choose to go out to enjoy alcoholic beverages, always designate a sober driver,” police said. “In todays day and age, there are a variety of options for obtaining a safe ride home, including reaching out to a friend or family member, utilizing a ride-share service, or calling a taxi. Plan ahead and get home safe.”