Ravnsborg: Officer-involved shooting that injured Webster man was justsified

July 10, 2020

Mike Tanner

PIERRE, S.D.–South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg (pictured) has concluded an officer-involved shooting that injured a Webster man last month was justified.

In a report released Thursday, Ravnsborg said the incident on June 2nd began with 46 year-old Michael Andreas Beckham calling 911 making irrational claims and threatening self harm.

Beckham was located in Webster driving a vehicle erratically, and he refused to stop for law enforcement.

A pursuit left the Webster city limits, at which point the Day County Sheriff’s Office became involved.

During the pursuit, officers observed Beckham with a handgun, which he pointed at his own head multiple times while driving.

Spike strips were used to stop Beckham’s vehicle. At that  point, he pointed his weapon at officers, and fired one round. An officer with the sheriff’s office returned fire, striking and injuring Beckham. He was taken to Avera Hospital in Aberdeen for treatment of injuries to his torso, arm and head.

The Division of Criminal Investigation, assisted by the Webster Police Department, Watertown Police Department and South Dakota Highway Patrol. conducted the investigation at the request of the Day County Sheriff’s Office. 

Ravnsborg said, “it is my conclusion that the actions taken by the officer of the Day County Sheriff’s Office were justified.” 

The full report from Ravnsborg can be found here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2245