Multi-day search ends in arrest

It is not often that residents are urged to lock their doors and outbuildings while watching for a potentially armed parole escapee.
But that was the situation this past week after the Moody County Sheriff’s Office warned that Zachariah Ryan may be in the area after a vehicle connected to him was found crashed in a field south of Colman.
According to the Moody County Sheriff’s Office, Ryan had allegedly fled law enforcement in Sioux Falls and was believed to have been involved in a pursuit involving the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Around 5:30 p.m. on March 4, the vehicle he was believed to be driving was discovered wrecked near 238th Street and 468th Avenue.
There was no indication which direction he may have taken on foot.
A notice was issued that warned Ryan could be dangerous and possibly armed. Area residents were encouraged to lock vehicles, homes and outbuildings and report suspicious activity.
On March 5, a motorist traveling along Highway 77 reported a possible sighting. Staff at Jerry’s Electric also contacted authorities after recognizing Ryan inside their building, where he reportedly grabbed water and used the restroom before leaving.
Officers responded and searched the area but were unable to locate him at that time.
Ryan was ultimately taken into custody on March 6 without incident.
The Sheriff’s Office extended a thank you to residents and assisting agencies for tips and support during the search and offered a reminder that keeping vehicles and property locked is always a good safety practice.