Sioux Falls Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Death of Deputy During Police Chase
A shocking incident occurred in South Dakota last week, resulting in the tragic death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok. Joseph Gene Hoek, a 40-year-old Sioux Falls man, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in connection with the incident. Hoek 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, Hoek had been on a “downward spiral” characterized by drug use and escalating threats of violence. People close to him expressed concerns about his mental state and behavior leading up to the incident.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has taken the lead in prosecuting the case. However, before making any decisions regarding seeking the death penalty, he plans to investigate any mitigating factors and hold discussions with Prorok’s family, as well as the sheriff and his deputies.
“I believe the attorney general should lead from the front and I’ve always tried to do that,” Jackley stated. “Especially when it involves a law enforcement officer that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Hoek’s attorney, Manuel De Castro, has raised concerns about his client being “overcharged” and emphasized the need to explore potential mental health issues. De Castro is currently gathering information and preparing Hoek’s defense.
The incident unfolded when Madison police responded to a call reporting “homicidal threats” made by Hoek near the caller’s workplace. Upon spotting Hoek’s car, the police attempted to stop him, but he fled at high speed on Highway 34 towards Interstate 29. The ensuing chase reached speeds of up to 115 mph (185 kph).
During the pursuit, Prorok made a heroic attempt to stop Hoek by deploying stop spikes across Highway 34. Tragically, an eyewitness reported that Hoek intentionally swerved and struck the chief deputy, causing his vehicle to flip into a ditch. Hoek then fled on foot, but the witness pursued and detained him until officers arrived.
Despite immediate medical attention, Prorok succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Hoek, on the other hand, sustained minor injuries and was examined at a hospital before being taken into custody.
In subsequent interviews, Hoek claimed that he went to the business to collect money owed to him by the caller who reported his “homicidal threats.” However, when informed that a deputy sheriff had been killed as a result of his actions, he reportedly expressed disbelief.
The investigation into Hoek’s car revealed suspected THC vapes, marijuana paraphernalia, “blunts,” cold medicine containers, an apparent bong, and an unopened bottle of liquor. When questioned about drugs, Hoek mentioned suffering from pain and obtaining prescription narcotic pain relievers in emergency room visits. He also claimed to have used medical marijuana for anxiety and had been prescribed the anti-anxiety drug Xanax but couldn’t recall the last time he used it.
Hoek’s troubled personal life came to light during the investigation. He had been kicked out of multiple relatives’ homes without specifying the reasons. The person who called the police described Hoek as a “family friend” who had recently exhibited alarming behavior, leading them to obtain no-contact and no-trespass orders against him. Hoek’s mother acknowledged his struggle with mental health issues and self-medication but expressed frustration with mental health professionals who she believed released him quickly without providing proper assistance. She also revealed that he was addicted to dextromethorphan, a cough medicine sometimes abused for its hallucinogenic effects.
One individual who had obtained an order for protection against Hoek last month claimed that his “downward spiral” had escalated, and he had become increasingly physically violent.
The tragic death of Chief Deputy Ken Prorok has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will be on seeking justice for Prorok’s family and ensuring that all relevant factors, including any potential mental health issues, are thoroughly examined.
