“Sioux Falls Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Death of Deputy Ken Prorok”

– South Dakota man charged with murder for allegedly running down chief deputy
– South Dakota man accused of killing deputy during police chase.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : South Dakota Man Charged with First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Eluding in Death of Deputy

South Dakota prosecutors have charged a Sioux Falls man with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in the tragic death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok. The incident occurred during a police chase when Prorok was struck while trying to put out spikes on the road. Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, appeared in court on Monday and was ordered to be held without bail.

According to Special Agent Jeffrey Kollars of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, people close to Hoek have described him as being on a “downward spiral” marked by drug use and escalating threats of violence. It is believed that Hoek’s mental health issues need to be explored, as suggested by his attorney, Manuel De Castro. De Castro mentioned that there are potential mitigating factors that need to be taken into consideration.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is personally prosecuting the case. However, before deciding whether to seek the death penalty, he has stated that he needs to investigate any mitigating factors and meet with Prorok’s family, as well as the sheriff and his deputies. Jackley believes that as the attorney general, he should lead from the front, especially in cases involving law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The incident began when Madison police responded to a call about Hoek making “homicidal threats” near the caller’s workplace. Police spotted Hoek’s car and attempted to stop him, but he fled at high speed. The chase reached a speed of 115 mph. Prorok stopped to deploy stop spikes on the road, but Hoek intentionally swerved and struck him before his car flipped into a ditch. Hoek then fled on foot, but a witness followed him, detained him, and awaited the arrival of law enforcement officers.

Tragically, Prorok died at the scene, while Hoek sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for examination. During an interview with investigators, Hoek claimed that he had gone to the business to collect money from the caller who owed him. However, when informed that his actions had resulted in the death of a deputy sheriff, Hoek initially expressed disbelief. He also mentioned having anxiety and panic attacks that sometimes affected his memory.

Further investigation revealed suspected THC vapes, marijuana paraphernalia, “blunts,” cold medicine containers, an apparent bong, and an unopened bottle of liquor in Hoek’s car. When questioned about drug use, Hoek stated that he suffered from pain and had obtained the prescription narcotic pain reliever hydrocodone during emergency room visits. He also admitted to using medical marijuana for anxiety and being prescribed Xanax but could not recall the last time he used it.

Hoek’s mother informed investigators that she believed her son was suffering from mental health issues and was self-medicating. She also expressed concerns that he was able to deceive mental health professionals during evaluations, resulting in his quick release without receiving the necessary help. Additionally, she revealed that he was addicted to dextromethorphan, a cough medicine that is sometimes abused.

One individual stated that Hoek’s “downward spiral” accelerated after obtaining an order for protection against him last month. The person claimed that Hoek became increasingly physically violent during this period.

The case has garnered significant attention, given the circumstances surrounding Prorok’s death and Hoek’s alleged mental health issues. As the investigation continues, the South Dakota Attorney General’s office will carefully consider all factors before making a decision on whether to pursue the death penalty.

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– South Dakota man charged with murder
– Allegedly running down chief deputy during police chase in South Dakota.