- Joseph Gene Hoek from Sioux Falls, South Dakota has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in the death of a deputy who was struck during a police chase.
- Special Agent Jeffrey Kollars described Hoek as being on a “downward spiral” marked by drug use and escalating threats of violence.
- Hoek claimed he had gone to the business to collect money, but authorities found suspected drug paraphernalia in his car and he had a history of scaring people and increasingly violent behavior.
Additional Coverage:
A man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in the death of a deputy who was struck during a police chase. Joseph Gene Hoek, 40, appeared in court and was ordered to be held without bail. The murder charge carries a maximum sentence of death or life without parole. Special Agent Jeffrey Kollars of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation wrote in a court filing that Hoek had been on a “downward spiral” marked by drug use and escalating threats of violence. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley will decide whether to seek the death penalty after investigating any mitigating factors and consulting with Prorok’s family and the sheriff’s office. Hoek’s attorney said there are potential mental health issues to be explored.
According to court documents, the incident began when a call was made about Hoek making homicidal threats near a business. The police spotted his car and attempted to stop him, but Hoek fled at high speed. During the chase, Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, 51, stopped to deploy stop spikes, but Hoek intentionally swerved and struck Prorok before crashing and fleeing on foot. A witness provided aid to Prorok until authorities arrived and then pursued Hoek until he was caught. Prorok died at the scene, while Hoek was checked at a hospital but not seriously injured.
During an interview with investigators, Hoek claimed he had gone to the business to collect money from the caller, who he said owed him. When informed that a deputy had been killed, Hoek expressed disbelief, citing problems with anxiety and panic attacks that sometimes affect his memory. Authorities found suspected drug paraphernalia in Hoek’s car and an apparent bong and unopened bottle of liquor outside the vehicle. Hoek acknowledged using medical marijuana for anxiety and mentioned being prescribed Xanax but couldn’t recall the last time he used it. He also stated that he had been kicked out of several relatives’ homes.
The person who called the police described Hoek as a family friend who had been acting strangely and scaring them. They had obtained protective orders against him. Hoek’s mother believed he suffered from mental health issues and self-medicated, including with dextromethorphan, a cough medicine sometimes abused. Another person who had obtained a protection order against Hoek stated that his behavior had become increasingly physically violent.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley expressed gratitude for the investigation conducted by the State Division of Criminal Investigation, the Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies. He stated that the charges were based on the evidence presented in the probable cause affidavit and extended his thoughts and prayers to Chief Deputy Prorok’s family.