Shooting suspect in custody

On 04-29-2019, at approx. 1029 hrs. the Mitchell Department of Public Safety Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a motel employee who stated that he was inside of his apartment at a motel located at 1313 S. Ohlman St. in Mitchell.   The Caller said that another man had just fired a gun at the caller’s apartment.

Officers arrived at the scene a short time later and detained 64-year-old Mitchell resident, Harry Victor Kirkvold, date of birth 05-12-1954.  Officers found Kirkvold inside the motel near the motel employee’s apartment.   A .38 caliber handgun was found near Kirkvold.

As a result of this investigation, Kirkvold was arrested for offenses of Aggravated Assault and for Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Structure.  It appears that Kirkvold fired several rounds from a .38 caliber handgun into the apartment that was occupied by the motel employee.    Kirkvold allegedly argued with the employee at the motel, a short time prior to the shots being fired.   Nobody was injured by any of the rounds fired.  A door and a window in the employee’s apartment, located on the second floor of the motel, were damaged.   Kirkvold apparently had been staying at the motel and was familiar with the motel employee.

This is an ongoing investigation.  If you have information, contact The Mitchell Police Division or Mitchell Area Crime Stoppers at ph. 605 996-1700.

Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Structure and Aggravated Assault is a Class 3 Felonies, punishable by 15 years imprisonment in the state penitentiary and/or a fine of $30,000 regarding each count.  Other charges as a result of this incident are possible.

The Davison County Sheriff’s Office, The South Dakota Highway Patrol and The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation assisted with the investigation.