Sioux Falls Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Death of Moody County Deputy Sheriff
A tragic incident unfolded in South Dakota last Friday when Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Prorok lost his life. The suspect, identified as Joseph Gene Hoek, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated eluding in connection with Prorok’s death. The South Dakota Attorney General, Marty Jackley, announced the charges in a press release on Monday.
The sequence of events began when the Madison Police received a call about a man making “homicidal threats” near a business. Officers responded to the scene and found Hoek driving a black Pontiac Grand Prix at a gas station near the intersection of South Dakota Highway 34 and Washington Avenue. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Hoek refused to comply.
According to court documents, Hoek fled the gas station at a high speed, reaching up to 115 mph at times, despite oncoming traffic. Prorok, who was stationed near 472nd Avenue along Highway 34, informed the officers that he could deploy tire deflation spikes to stop the vehicle. As Hoek approached, Prorok attempted to deploy the spikes but tragically got struck by Hoek’s intentional swerve.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the collision and immediately rushed to administer first aid to Prorok. However, despite their efforts and the arrival of responding officers, Prorok succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Meanwhile, Hoek exited his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by the witness until officers arrived and placed him under arrest.
Upon inspecting Hoek’s vehicle, authorities discovered a bottle of liquor, marijuana paraphernalia, cold medicine, and THC vapes. It is unclear whether these substances contributed to Hoek’s actions leading up to the incident. During an interview with law enforcement, Hoek claimed that he did not remember the crash and cited his anxiety as a factor.
Hoek’s family friend, who made the initial call to the police, revealed that Hoek had been acting strangely after being informed that he could no longer live at their residence. There were reports of Hoek slashing tires in an apartment complex in Sioux Falls, and a no-contact-no-trespass order had been issued against him. The friend also disclosed that Hoek had made threats against his own parents and had attacked his grandparents in the past.
In an interview with Hoek’s mother, Lisa Clites, she expressed her belief that her son was suffering from mental health issues and was self-medicating. Clites claimed that Hoek had an addiction to cough syrup and marijuana. She also stated that she had filed a protection order against him due to his threats and increasing violence.
The charges against Hoek are severe. First-degree murder is a Class A felony, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life without parole, along with a $50,000 fine in certain cases. The aggravated eluding charge is a Class 6 felony, punishable by a maximum sentence of two years in state prison and a $4,000 fine.
The investigation into this tragic incident is being conducted by the State Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies. The loss of Deputy Sheriff Prorok has deeply impacted the law enforcement community, and a procession was organized to honor his memory, with numerous officers participating.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while carrying out their duties. It highlights the need for continued support and resources to ensure their safety and well-being. As the investigation unfolds, it is essential to remember Deputy Sheriff Prorok’s dedication and sacrifice in protecting the community he served.
