Sheriff's Media Releases

Structure Fire – March 2, 2026

On Monday, March 2, 2026, at 3:57 p.m., Brookings 911 Dispatch notified Brookings County first responders of a structure fire at 3026 Sunnyview Drive, just north of Brookings.

A neighbor reported a fire in a metal pole-barn style building located at the rear of the property. The structure, owned by David and Kristina Bauer, was being utilized as a shop/garage area housing multiple vehicles.

Fire crews operated on scene for more than three and one-half hours extinguishing the fire and conducting overhaul and cleanup operations. The fire was contained to the affected structure. No other buildings on the property sustained damage.

No injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians.

Fire departments responding included: Brookings Fire Department, Aurora Fire Department, Volga Fire Department, Bruce Fire Department, Elkton Fire Department, Sinai Fire Department and Arlington Fire Department.

Assisting agencies included the Brookings County Sheriff's Office, Brookings Police Department, and Brookings Ambulance.

The fire remains under investigation by the Brookings Fire Department, the South Dakota State Fire Marshal, and the Brookings County Sheriff's Office.

David D. Biteler
Assistant Sheriff
Brookings County Sheriff’s Office
315 7th Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
605-696-8300

Burglary – Elkton Occurred: February 22, 2026, at 6:58 p.m. Location: Twin City Fan, 210 Badger Street N, Elkton, South Dakota

Elkton, S.D. — At approximately 8:09 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a burglary at Twin City Fan in Elkton.

An employee reported two separate after-hours incidents involving an unknown individual entering the facility and removing tools. The first incident occurred on Friday, February 13, between 10:50 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The second incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, between 6:50 p.m. and 7:10 p.m.

Surveillance footage from inside the building shows an unidentified individual entering through the north side of the facility, walking through the production area, and collecting tool batteries and chargers. The individual then exited through the south side of the building.

Between the two incidents, approximately 20 items were reported missing, with an estimated total loss of $6,000.

Anyone who observed suspicious activity in the area during the reported timeframes is encouraged to contact the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers at 605-692-STOP (7867).

This case remains under investigation by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

David D. Biteler
Assistant Sheriff
Brookings County Sheriff’s Office
315 7th Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
605-696-8300

Occurred: February 21, 2026, at 5:50 p.m. Location: On 207th Street just east of 476th Avenue, near White, South Dakota

White, S.D. — At approximately 5:50 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Brookings County first responders were dispatched to an injury crash on 207th Street just east of 476th Avenue.

A white 2002 Ford F-150 was traveling eastbound when it left the roadway, overcorrected, and overturned into a field on the south side of the road. Two occupants were in the vehicle, and both were ejected during the rollover.

The driver, a 35-year-old female from Brookings, reported an ankle injury. The passenger, a 32-year-old male from Arlington, reported a chest injury. Both were transported by ambulance to the Brookings Emergency Room for evaluation. Neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The Brookings County Sheriff's Office responded along with the South Dakota Highway Patrol, White Fire/EMS, and Brookings Ambulance.

No further information is available at this time.

David D. Biteler
Assistant Sheriff
Brookings County Sheriff’s Office
315 7th Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
605-696-8300