Jason Garreau, Firing at Federal Officers, South Dakota 2014

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE

March 5, 2014 – Eagle Butte, SD

Jason Garreau, 27, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, has admitted to firing at federal officers during a violent standoff in Pierre last October.

According to the U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson, Garreau pled guilty to two counts of a Superseding Indictment that charged him with Assaulting, Resisting and Impeding Federal Officers and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.

The standoff began on October 30, 2013, when law enforcement attempted to serve a warrant on an individual. When police discovered the car being driven by Garreau, a high-speed chase ensued, which was later aborted. The Bureau of Indian Affairs soon discovered the vehicle on the Crow Creek Reservation, and a new pursuit began.

While in pursuit, Garreau made multiple phone calls to his cousin, who came to aid Garreau in the pursuit and opened fire on law enforcement, allowing Garreau to flee the scene. The next day, Garreau was located at a residence in Pierre, and a SWAT team was called in to assist in his apprehension.

When the SWAT team entered the residence, Garreau fired multiple shots from a Benelli shotgun and a Hi-Point handgun, injuring two police officers. Garreau surrendered and was taken into custody. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies.

Following his plea in federal court, Garreau will also plead guilty to one count of Attempted Murder in State Court. His sentence will be consecutive to the sentence imposed in Federal court. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for June 2, 2014. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Garreau faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine for the Assault charge, and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in custody up to life in prison for the Discharge of a Firearm charge, consecutive to the Assault charge. Restitution may also be ordered.

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