FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Sept. 26, 2011
CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Joffer, Lt. Alan Welsh or 1st Sgt. Paul Gerken, SD Highway Patrol, (605) 367-5700
Name of Victim in Kingsbury County Fatal Crash Released
What: Vehicle-pedestrian fatal crash
When: Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, 9:53 p.m.
Where: 1st St. and Calumet Ave, De Smet, SD
Driver: James F. Harris, 28, Anoka, MN, no injuries
Pedestrian: Zachary Eichstadt, 16, De Smet, SD, fatal
Vehicle: 1997 Chevrolet pickup
DE SMET, S.D. – Authorities say Zachary Eichstadt, 16, of De Smet was the victim in a fatal vehicle-pedestrian crash on a city street in De Smet on Friday. Sept. 23.
Eichstadt was one of two pedestrians struck by a 1997 Chevrolet pickup that failed to stop at a stop sign at 1st Street and Calumet Avenue. The second pedestrian, also a minor, Nicholas Eichstadt, was treated at a De Smet hospital for minor injuries and released.
James R. Harris, 28, of Anoka, Minn., was taken into custody and charged with DUI, hit and run and vehicular homicide. Harris is being held without bond and will appear in court in De Smet on Monday.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating. Kingsbury County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
