South Dakota Man Faces Life Sentence Over Officer's Death During Police Chase

South Dakota man Joseph Hoek, suspected in the death of a Lincoln man, Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, is confronting severe charges that could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, according to 10 11 Now.

The charges include one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault.

Prorok, a respected figure, lost his life on Friday after being allegedly struck by Hoek's vehicle during a high-speed chase on Highway 34.

Hoek appeared in the Moody County Courthouse on Monday, marking the beginning of a legal process that could have significant consequences.

The first-degree murder charge carries a maximum penalty of death or life without parole, along with a possible $50,000 fine.

The aggravated assault charge, linked to the high-speed chase, comes with a maximum sentence of two years in state prison and/or a $4,000 fine.

Tragic Incident Unfolds During Pursuit

The 51-year-old Lincoln man, Prorok, was responding to a pursuit initiated by reports of a man making "homicidal threats" near Madison, South Dakota.

The suspect, Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, reportedly fled a traffic stop and led authorities on a high-speed chase on South Dakota Highway 34.

Setting up spike strips along the highway, Prorok was struck and killed by the South Dakota man's vehicle near Interstate 29, Lincoln Journal Star reports.

An eyewitness described the incident as an intentional swerve, leading to the tragic death of the Chief Deputy.

The witness, in a commendable act, turned around to assist Prorok and subsequently chased down Hoek, holding him until law enforcement arrived.

Prorok was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting deep sorrow and reflection within the law enforcement community.

Moody County Sheriff Troy Wellman expressed gratitude for the witness's actions and acknowledged the profound impact of Prorok's loss on the community.

Wellman emphasized the pain and grief that could have been avoided, highlighting the dangers associated with fleeing from law enforcement.

Lincoln man Ken Prorok, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, had a rich educational background, attending St. Mary's Catholic School, Lincoln Pius X High School, University of Nebraska, Midland University, and Dakota State University.

His contributions extended beyond law enforcement, as he coached baseball, volleyball, and softball at Dakota State University and his son's baseball team.

Prorok is survived by his wife and three children.

Visitation and a prayer service were scheduled for Wednesday night in Chester, South Dakota, with funeral services planned for Thursday in Madison.

Insight into the South Dakota Man's Troubled Background

People close to a South Dakota man, Hoek, described him as being on a "downward spiral," marked by drug use and escalating threats of violence, Fox News noted.

Special Agent Jeffrey Kollars of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation revealed details from a court filing, citing the discovery of suspected THC vapes, marijuana paraphernalia, and other substances in Hoek's car.

Hoek mentioned his struggles with pain, stating that he had obtained prescription narcotics like hydrocodone through emergency room visits.

Additionally, investigators found evidence of his use of medical marijuana and past prescriptions for anti-anxiety medication.

Concerns about Hoek's mental health were raised by his mother, who believed he was self-medicating and suffering from mental health issues.

Despite these concerns, the South Dakota man reportedly managed to deceive mental health professionals, hindering efforts to provide him with necessary assistance.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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