SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — We understand more about a pair of shootings that wounded a Sioux Falls Police officer and a suspect one week ago today.
Samir Albaidhani is charged with multiple counts of attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer in two different counties. The crime spree started in Sioux Falls and ended more than 30-miles south along Interstate 29.
Affidavits filed in Minnehaha and Union Counties spell out what led up to an officer being shot in Sioux Falls. They also include details about a shootout along Interstate 29. It all started last Tuesday afternoon, when police spotted Samir Albaidhani in what they believed to be a stolen car, near Elmwood and 12 Street . He was wanted on several warrants.
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Court papers say Albaidhani got out of the car and ran, officers told him to “get to the ground,” instead he kept running and allegedly fired two shots from a handgun. One officer was struck and fell to the ground but was able to return fire. The other officer stopped to help the wounded officer who was taken to the hospital with a non life threatening injuries.
Albaidhani disappeared into the neighborhood. Ten minutes later and just blocks away, a maroon SUV was reported stolen. It had been left running with the keys inside. Thinking it may be Albaidhani Police put out a description.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol and surrounding law enforcement agencies were instructed to be on the lookout. About a half hour later two Beresford police officers spotted the stolen car on I-29 and alerted the Highway Patrol. The affidavit says Albaidhani pulled off the interstate and fired 2 rounds round at from inside the SUV. When a trooper returned fire, Albaidhani allegedly took off running and fired another round before a trooper struck him with a patrol vehicle.During the ordeal, Albaidhana was also shot in his right arm.
Court documents say investigators recovered a 9 MM Glock 43X like this one on the Glock website. They also found and collected spent shell casings. Turns out the gun was stolen from a vehicle in Sioux Falls just days before the shooting.
Albaidhani faces a long list charges in both Minnehaha and Union counties, including attempted murder, aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
Albaidhani returned to court today and was officially charged with stealing the S-U-V involved in the chase. He was no longer in a sling. Before leaving, he told the judge quote, “Appreciate you, have a nice day.”
