Gas drive-off sparks chase, more charges

WHITE LAKE — The South Dakota Highway Patrol arrested a Sioux Falls man Monday for fleeing law enforcement.

Joseph Rizzo, 29, is accused of leaving the Farmer’s Co-op in White Lake without paying for his gasoline. Rizzo, who was on his way back to Sioux Falls from Lower Brule, told South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Mark Nelson he didn’t have any money to pay for gas, so he drove off.

Law enforcement received a description of Rizzo’s 1999 Mazda 626 from the attendant about 3:20 p.m.

Nelson said law enforcement chased Rizzo south onto Betts Road from Interstate 90. Rizzo zigzagged on gravel roads around 406th Avenue. He entered the ditch just outside Mitchell, but was able to drive out, Nelson said. The pursuit lasted just a few more miles before Rizzo’s vehicle entered the ditch, slid into a field and he gave up, Nelson said.

The pursuit began at mile marker 332 on Interstate 90 near Mitchell and led law enforcement to gravel roads, going up to 90 mph, Nelson said.

Rizzo is charged with eluding law enforcement, suspended driver’s license, no insurance, obtaining services without paying and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nelson said Rizzo ran from law enforcement because he didn’t have a driver’s license or insurance. “He forgot he had the marijuana pipe in his jacket,” Nelson said. The South Dakota Highway Patrol and Mitchell Police Division responded to the incident. Rizzo remains in the Davison County Jail.

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