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April 17, 2020

Shooting suspect arrested for Attempted Murder

Rapid City Police and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating a shooting incident as an attempted murder.

At around 8:40 a.m. on April 17th, police were dispatched to the area of Halley Avenue and Van Buren Street for a report of gunshots heard in the area. Police were advised that a vehicle was seen leaving the area shortly after the shots were heard. Police located the vehicle matching the description of the vehicle leaving the scene. The vehicle was stopped and the female occupant was detained as police investigated further.

Meanwhile, police were advised the shots were fired outside residence in the 800 block of Halley Avenue. It was determined a male suspect was still inside the residence with a handgun. He was ordered out of the residence, but refused to comply. As he walked into another part of the house, police observed that he had left the firearm near the door. An officer quickly made entry to the house in order to retrieve and secure the gun.

The male suspect continued to ignore orders to exit the house and the decision was made to quickly make entry to safely detain the man. Police entered the house and were able to secure the man in handcuffs. He was identified as 30-year-old William Dachtler of Rapid City.

After speaking with witnesses, police learned that the incident began as a disturbance outside of the residence between Dachtler and a female. As the woman began to back out of the residence’s driveway in her vehicle, Dachtler fired the gun at the vehicle, striking it twice. There were no injuries as a result of the gunfire. 

Dachtler has since been placed under arrest for Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Discharge of a Firearm at a Motor Vehicle, and Felony Violation of a No Contact Order. He was transported to the Pennington County Jail.

The RCPD and PCSO continue to investigate the incident.

* The charges are merely accusations and the arrested individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  Any additional details regarding this case can be obtained from the Pennington County State’s Attorney and/or court records as appropriate.