"South Dakota Man Charged with Murder for Running Down Chief Deputy During Police Chase"

A Sioux Falls man, Joseph Gene Hoek, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in the death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, who was struck and killed during a police chase. Hoek, described as being on a "downward spiral" marked by drug use and escalating threats of violence, was ordered held without bail. The attorney general is considering seeking the death penalty and Hoek's attorney has indicated that mental health issues need to be explored. The incident involved a high-speed chase, with Hoek allegedly intentionally swerving to strike the deputy before fleeing on foot. Investigators found suspected drugs and paraphernalia in Hoek's car, and his family believes he was suffering from mental health issues and self-medicating.