SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A chaotic early-morning series of events at an Aberdeen hotel on Saturday escalated into a police pursuit, vehicle collision, and multiple felony charges against a 27-year-old local man, according to authorities.
Officers with the Aberdeen Police Department were dispatched at approximately 5:28 a.m. to a hotel in the 2900 block of Sixth Avenue following reports of a man harassing guests and refusing to leave the property. Before officers arrived, the suspect allegedly brandished a knife toward hotel guests, prompting fear among patrons. He then fled the scene on foot.
Hotel security footage later confirmed that the suspect was armed with a knife. Police launched a search of the surrounding area and alerted Sanford Hospital, warning staff that the individual could still be nearby and posed a potential threat.
Escalation at Local Grocery Store
Nearly two hours later, at 7:24 a.m., dispatchers received a call reporting a man matching the suspect’s description at Kessler’s Grocery. Witnesses said the individual appeared intoxicated and was attempting to steal merchandise.
Officers located the suspect in the store’s parking lot, where he allegedly refused to comply with lawful commands. Police attempted to take him into custody using multiple non-lethal methods, but the suspect fled once again.
Vehicle Theft and Collision
During the second escape attempt, the man entered an unoccupied vehicle that was left running in the 400 block of Fourth Avenue. He drove only a short distance before crashing into a parked vehicle, bringing the pursuit to an abrupt end.
Officers quickly removed the suspect from the vehicle and took him into custody without further incident, police said.
Charges Filed
The suspect was identified as Marquis Gabriel Martin, a 27-year-old resident of Aberdeen. Authorities confirmed that Martin now faces a lengthy list of charges, including:
- Four counts of aggravated assault
- Aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer
- Resisting arrest
- Obstructing a law enforcement officer
- Grand theft
- Parole violation
Police have not reported any serious injuries resulting from the incidents, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The sequence of events has raised renewed concerns about public safety, particularly in early-morning hours when businesses and hotels remain vulnerable. Law enforcement officials emphasized that quick coordination between patrol officers, dispatch, and local businesses played a critical role in bringing the situation under control.
As court proceedings move forward, Martin remains in custody, and additional details are expected to emerge through charging documents and upcoming hearings.