March 18, 2026: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Union County jury has convicted a Sioux Falls man of multiple felony counts, including three counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, stemming from an April 1, 2025 incident near Beresford. Sami r Albaidhani, 26, was found guilty Wednesday (March 18, 2026) following a jury trial in Union County. The jury convicted Albaidhani of seven felony offenses. He was acquitted on two counts involving a second South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper. Following the verdicts, Albaidhani admitted to the Part II habitual offender information. As a result, the potential sentence for each attempted murder conviction is enhanced and may include up to life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1. “These were violent crimes directed at law enforcement officers who were carrying out their duties to protect the public,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I am grateful the officers survived, and I remain committed to holding offenders accountable when they target those who protect our communities.” The incident began in Sioux Falls when Albaidhani fled from law enforcement officers attempting a traffic stop. He led officers south on Interstate 29, exiting near Beresford, where he lost control and entered a ditch. Albaidhani then exited the vehicle and fired multiple shots at pursuing officers before attempting to flee on foot. A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper used his patrol vehicle in an effort to stop him. After Albaidhani fell to the ground, he again reached for a weapon, prompting the trooper to discharge his firearm and strike Albaidhani in the arm. He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury. The Union County jury convicted Albaidhani of: Three counts – Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer (Class 1 Felony) Three counts – Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer (Class 2 Felony) One count – Aggravated Eluding Law Enforcement (Class 6 Felony) The convictions arise from charges contained in the superseding indictment returned by the Union County Grand Jury. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) determined that the involved Sioux Falls Police officers and the Highway Patrol trooper were justified in their use of force. DCI was assisted by the Beresford Police Department in the Union County investigation. The case was prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office. Albaidhani also faces separate pending charges in Minnehaha County. He is presumed innocent on those matters under the United States Constitution.   April 25, 2025: Reviews conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation indicate that Sioux Falls Police Department Officers and South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers were justified in using lethal force during Officer Involved Shooting incidents involving the same suspect April 1, 2025, in Sioux Falls and near Beresford in Union County.  “The individual involved refused officer commands and fired at both officers, injuring one,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “This was a clear and present danger in a heavily congested area, and officers were justified in their actions.” Members of the Minnehaha County Warrant/Fugitive Task Force were searching for Samir Albaidhani, 25, of Sioux Falls, who was a parole absconder and wanted on several outstanding warrants. The individual was found driving a vehicle, later to be confirmed as stolen, in the 300 block of South Elmwood Avenue. When officers tried to approach the vehicle, Albaidhani fled on foot. During the pursuit, the individual fired two shots at the officers, striking one. The officer suffered a non-life threatening injury to his forearm. Albaidhani later stole another vehicle and was arrested after a vehicle pursuit near Beresford. Lab results indicate Albaidhani tested positive for methamphetamine and cannabis. Both police officers tested negative for alcohol and illegal drugs. The second officer was not injured in the incident. DCI processed the crime scene, reviewed officer video, collected and analyzed evidence, reviewed forensic examinations, interviewed the officers involved, gathered witness statements, and viewed all available video. The Attorney General and DCI thank the South Dakota Forensic Laboratory, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, and Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s Office for their cooperation and assistance. Albaidhani has been indicted in Minnehaha County on nine counts including two counts of First Degree Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, three counts of Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer, and one count each of Commission of a Felony While Armed with a Firearm, Grand Theft, Receiving or Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, and Possession of a Firearm by a Violent or Drug Related Convicted Felon. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and trial has been set for the week of July 14, 2025. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution. DCI’s summary of the Sioux Falls incident investigation can be found here:  https://atg.sd.gov/docs/April%2025%202025minnehaha%20ois%20final.pdf DCI’s summary of the Union County incident investigation can be found here:  https://atg.sd.gov/docs/April%2025%202025UNION%20COUNTY%20OIS%20FINAL_.pdf   April 10, 2025: A Sioux Falls man has been indicted in Union County on 11 counts including four felony counts of Attempted First Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer in connection with an incident that occurred April 1, 2025. Samir Yasser Albaidhani, 25, was indicted Wednesday (April 9, 2025) by a Union County Grand Jury. An initial court appearance in Union County has not been scheduled. The defendant also faces charges in Minnehaha County related to an officer involved shooting that occurred the same day in Sioux Falls. Albaidhani was also indicted on four counts of Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer and separate counts of Commission of a Felony While Armed with a Firearm, Aggravated Eluding, and Resisting Arrest. “These are violent crimes committed against law enforcement,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “As Attorney General, I will protect those who protect us.” South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation and will issue summaries for both cases. The Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the separate cases with the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney and Union County State’s Attorney. The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.   April 2, 2025: At the request of the Sioux Falls Police Department and South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating two separate, but related, officer involved shootings with the same suspect that occurred Tuesday (April 1, 2025). One of the shootings happened in Sioux Falls and the other was in Union County. A Sioux Falls Police Officer and the suspect were both injured. The Highway Patrol Trooper was not. The suspect, who has been identified as 25 year old Samir Albaidhani, is in custody. Authorities say there is no further danger to the public. Attorney General Marty Jackley said the DCI is working with the Beresford Police Department, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Union County Sheriff’s Office on the investigations. The Sioux Falls Police Department and the Highway Patrol are cooperating with the investigations. Jackley said DCI will do separate, but concurrent, investigations for each incident. He said DCI will process the crime scene, conduct a forensic examination of all collected evidence, interview officers and witnesses and review all video cameras from the area. After the investigations are complete, the DCI will release summaries of both shooting incidents. ...read more read less