Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Two suspects have been arrested after several firearms were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in a southwest Sioux Falls neighborhood late Friday night. Police say one suspect remains at large, and one stolen gun has yet to be recovered as the investigation continues.
Incident Overview
The theft occurred in a residential area near West Snapdragon Street and South Statice Avenue, where multiple firearms were taken from a vehicle parked overnight. According to authorities, the vehicle was unlocked at the time of the incident, allowing suspects easy access.
The victim later reported that two rifles and three handguns had been stolen, prompting an immediate investigation by the Sioux Falls Police Department.
Timeline of Events
Police received the theft report on Friday, February 6, after the victim discovered the missing firearms. Officers quickly began reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and properties in the neighborhood.
Video evidence revealed three individuals moving through the area and attempting to enter multiple vehicles around the same time the guns were stolen. Investigators used the footage to identify potential suspects and track their movements.
Several days later, on Monday evening, officers spotted a vehicle connected to the suspects near 41st Street and Western Avenue, leading to a traffic stop and arrests.
Details From Police
During the stop, officers identified two suspects inside the vehicle. One of them was a juvenile, who was found to be carrying one of the stolen handguns concealed inside his sweatshirt.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of another stolen handgun, confirming police suspicions that the suspects were directly involved in the firearm theft.
The second suspect was identified as Dayvon Benson, 18, of Sioux Falls, who was taken into custody and transported to jail.
Charges Filed
Dayvon Benson, 18, faces:
- Two counts of Grand Theft
- Criminal Entry of a Motor Vehicle
The juvenile suspect was also taken into custody, though police have not released additional details due to age-related legal restrictions.
Recovery of Stolen Firearms
Following the arrests, officers executed search warrants at the suspects’ residences. During a search of Benson’s home, police recovered two additional stolen firearms, bringing the total number of recovered guns to four.
At this time:
- Four guns have been recovered
- One firearm remains missing
- One suspect is still at large
Ongoing Investigation
Police confirmed that a third suspect involved in the vehicle break-ins has not yet been located. Authorities are continuing to follow leads and review additional evidence in hopes of identifying and arresting the remaining individual.
Investigators believe the suspects were actively targeting unlocked vehicles in the area, raising concerns about neighborhood safety and firearm security.
Safety and Awareness
Police are reminding residents of the serious risks associated with leaving firearms inside vehicles, especially when vehicles are left unlocked. Stolen guns can quickly end up involved in violent crimes, posing a threat to the entire community.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Always lock vehicles, even when parked at home
- Never leave firearms unattended in vehicles
- Use gun safes or lock boxes designed for vehicle storage
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Vehicle break-ins often happen quietly and quickly, particularly overnight, making prevention and vigilance critical.
Conclusion
While the arrests mark a significant step forward, Sioux Falls police say the case remains active until the final suspect is apprehended and the missing firearm is recovered. Authorities stress that community awareness and cooperation play a vital role in preventing similar crimes.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Sioux Falls Police Department at 605-367-7000 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
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