Hughes County Sheriff's Office - South Dakota

10/11/2026

Hughes County Sheriff’s Office — Praying for Minnehaha County

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the injured deputy, their loved ones, and the entire Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office following this line-of-duty shooting.

Though we serve different communities, we are united as one law enforcement family. We stand beside you with unwavering support, praying for the deputy’s healing and for strength, comfort, and peace for everyone affected.

When one of our own is hurt, we stand together. Minnehaha County, you are not alone—we honor the injured deputy’s courage and sacrifice, and we will continue to lift you all in prayer.

— Hughes County Sheriff’s Office

09/18/2026

🏍️ DIRT BIKE & ATV SAFETY
KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE ON HUGHES COUNTY ROADS
PUBLIC ROADS ARE NOT A PLAYGROUND
The Hughes County Sheriff's Office has received increasing complaints about children riding dirt bikes and ATVs on or across roadways and entering intersections without stopping or checking for traffic.
A dirt bike or ATV may be fun to ride — but operating one around traffic comes with serious responsibilities.
🚦 BEFORE YOU ENTER A ROADWAY
STOP • LOOK • LISTEN
• Come to a complete stop before entering or crossing a roadway.
• Look both ways for approaching vehicles.
• Never assume a driver sees you.
• Make sure the roadway is clear before proceeding.
• Obey traffic signs, signals, and applicable traffic laws.
• Ride at a safe and controlled speed.
• Never carry more riders than the vehicle was designed to carry.
⚖️ KNOW THE LAW — PROTECT YOURSELF
NOT EVERY ATV OR DIRT BIKE IS LEGAL ON THE ROAD
South Dakota law generally prohibits operating an off-road vehicle on a public street or highway except for crossing from one side of the road to the other.
Certain qualifying ATVs and off-road motorcycles may be licensed as motorcycles for public-highway use. When legally operated on a public highway, the vehicle and operator must meet applicable South Dakota requirements.
Before riding on a roadway, know whether your vehicle is legally authorized for roadway use.

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A CRASH
If you operate a dirt bike or ATV on a roadway illegally, without the required license, or without required financial responsibility, you may face more than a traffic citation.
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, you may be held responsible for injuries, property damage, or other losses.
Don't assume that because you are only going a short distance, the rules don't apply.
A crash can result in significant financial consequences for the rider and/or vehicle owner.
🪖 HELMETS SAVE LIVES
EVERY RIDE. EVERY TIME.
South Dakota law requires a person under 18 who operates or rides upon a motorcycle on a public street or highway to wear a qualifying protective helmet.
Even when not legally required, a properly fitted helmet is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a rider can wear.
PROTECT YOUR HEAD. PROTECT YOUR FUTURE.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 PARENTS — KNOW BEFORE THEY GO
Before allowing your child to ride, ask:
• ✓ Is this vehicle legally allowed on the roadway?
• ✓ Is it properly licensed/registered for the type of use?
• ✓ Does the operator have the required license or permit?
• ✓ Is the required insurance/financial responsibility in place?
• ✓ Does the vehicle meet the required equipment standards?
• ✓ Is the rider wearing appropriate safety equipment?
• ✓ Does the rider know how to safely approach an intersection?
ONE BAD DECISION CAN HAVE A LIFETIME OF CONSEQUENCES.
STOP AT INTERSECTIONS.
LOOK BOTH WAYS.
WATCH FOR TRAFFIC.
WEAR A HELMET.
KNOW THE LAW.
________________________________________
📜 SOUTH DAKOTA LAW
SDCL 32-20-12 — Off-Road Vehicles
Generally prohibits operation of an off-road vehicle on a public street or highway except for crossing from one side of the road to the other. It also addresses operation in highway ditches and requires off-road vehicles to be titled.
SDCL 32-20-13 — ATV/OHV Public Highway Use
Certain qualifying ATVs and off-road motorcycles may be licensed as motorcycles for use on public highways. Before licensing, applicable lighting, brake, and other motorcycle equipment requirements must be met. Certain toy and youth off-road vehicles are specifically excluded
SDCL 32-20-2 — Driver License or Permit
Requires the appropriate motor vehicle driver's license or permit for operation of a licensed ATV or applicable motorcycle on public streets or highways.
SDCL 32-20-4 — Protective Helmet Required for Minors
A person under 18 may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle on a public street or highway without a qualifying protective helmet
SDCL 32-35-113 — Financial Responsibility
Requires drivers/owners of motor vehicles subject to the statute to maintain an approved form of financial responsibility; failure to do so is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
SDCL 32-35-2 — Financial Responsibility
Defines financial responsibility as the ability to respond in damages for liability arising from an accident, including bodily injury and property damage.
THIS FLYER IS FOR GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE SOUTH DAKOTA CODIFIED LAWS.
HUGHES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
RIDE SMART • RIDE SAFE • RIDE LEGALLY

08/11/2026

Let’s Work Together to End Drunk Driving!

From August 19 through September 7, 2026, the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office , South Dakota Department of Public Safety-Office of Highway Safety, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be working alongside local law enforcement to deter drunk driving and prevent tragedies during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The message is clear: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

During the 2024 Labor Day holiday (6 p.m. August 30 - 5:59 a.m. September 3), there were 505 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 505 fatalities, 34% (170) involved a drunk driver. Seventy-seven percent of the impaired drivers killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher. Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday in 2024, 40% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.

According to the South Dakota Office of Accident Records, over the past five Labor Day weekends (2021–2025), impaired driving crashes have resulted in 6 fatalities and 51 injuries on South Dakota roadways. This is why the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office is working together with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety-Office of Highway Safety, and NHTSA to remind drivers that impaired driving is not only illegal; it’s a matter of life and death. As you head out to festivities during the end of summer and Labor Day weekend, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it kills. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this dangerous behavior.

If a driver intends to drink during a Labor Day festivity, he or she should plan ahead for a safe ride home by securing a designated driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment and endangers others on the road.

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.

For more information on impaired driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DrunkDriving, and https://drivesafesd.com/.

Deputy Nickerson
Hughes County Sheriff’s Office

07/27/2026

Press Release

Hughes County, SD- On Monday, July 27, 2026, at approximately 7:15 a.m., fishermen near the Oahe Dam Powerhouse reported witnessing a vehicle enter the Missouri River on the Hughes County side.

After receiving the call, Central South Dakota Communications quickly alerted the appropriate emergency response agencies. Responding agencies included the Hughes County Sheriff's Office, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), South Dakota Highway Patrol, Pierre Fire Department (PFD), Pierre Fire Department Rescue Squad, and American Medical Response (AMR).

Witnesses at the scene were interviewed, allowing responders to establish the vehicle's approximate location. Personnel from GFP and the PFD Rescue Squad located the submerged vehicle, and the PFD Dive Rescue Team was deployed. A lone adult male occupant was removed from the vehicle.

Life-saving measures were immediately initiated but were ultimately unsuccessful. The individual's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The vehicle was recovered from the Missouri River by Central Divers LLC with assistance from Black Hills Towing.
During operations at the incident staging area, a Pierre-area first responder experienced a serious medical emergency. Fellow responders immediately provided life-saving care before the individual was transported for continued medical treatment.

The Hughes County Sheriff's Office would like to thank all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts and professionalism during this incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle entering the river remains ongoing.

07/24/2026

The Hughes County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a dedicated and professional candidate to serve as Deputy Sheriff. Deputies play a vital role in protecting the public, enforcing federal, state, and local laws, and building positive relationships with the community.

This position requires individuals with strong integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to perform effectively in high-stress situations. Deputies are trusted representatives of the Sheriff’s Office and are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while ensuring the safety and rights of the community they serve.

91 Deputy jobs available in Pierre, SD on Indeed.com. Apply to Assistant Manager, Quality Control Manager, Physician Assistant and more!

07/22/2026

Help Chief Deputy Drew raise money for the Gold program! Click the link to make your pledge!

Golf for GOLD is just 3 weeks away! We have a great lineup of dedicated (crazy) golfers this year who will be playing 6 consecutive rounds on Monday, July 27th, raising money for the Stanley County GOLD Program's long-term future!

Pledge or donate for your golfer here at this link: https://forms.gle/khpTmpRYCKLV2JYQ7

07/01/2026

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

CONTACT: Nick Dooley, Emergency Manager, 605-773-7486

Road work: Self-report link for damages

PIERRE, SD –

The Hughes County Emergency Manager has established a self-report link to be used for residential and commercial damages from the weather event that occurred on Monday, June 29, 2026. Residents of Hughes County with residential or commercial damage can self-report at the attached link. The link is also available on the Hughes County webpage under the Emergency Management tab. Click on the red banner at the top of the page. The deadline for reporting damages is July 10, 2026.

https://crisistrack.juvare.com/selfreport/sdoem.jsp...

Please contact the Hughes County Emergency Manager, Nick Dooley, at 605-773-7486 with any questions.

06/08/2026

Please join us in welcoming the new Hughes County Sheriff, Jeff Metzinger!

Sheriff Metzinger brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, strong community ties, and valuable professional relationships to the Hughes County Sheriff's Office and we are proud to welcome him.

He began his law enforcement career in 1998 as a certified Pierre Area Reserve Officer, serving with both the Hughes County Sheriff's Office and the Pierre Police Department. In 1999, he was hired full time with the Pierre PD, where he served in a variety of roles and steadily advanced throughout his career.

In 2009, he joined the South Dakota Division of Criminal Justice as a Special Agent, investigating complex cases across the state. Since 2019 he has served with the Attorney General’s office as a Medicaid Fraud Investigator, conducting criminal and civil investigations involving fraud and abuse.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Sheriff Metzinger has served as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Lieutenant, Drug Task Force Agent assigned to the Pierre FBI Office, Fi****ms Training Officer, certified Armorer, SWAT Officer, DCI Bomb Squad Agent, Homicide Investigator, and undercover operative. His extensive experience spans patrol, leadership, training, specialized tactical assignments, and both criminal and civil investigations.

We are excited for the future of our office under Sheriff Metzinger’s leadership and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our staff, partnerships, and most importantly the citizens of Hughes County.

05/21/2026

🚨‼️ Scam Alert ‼️🚨

The Hughes County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER contact you by phone regarding a warrant and instruct you to make a payment over the phone, through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or any electronic payment app.

These scam calls can sound very convincing and intimidating, and callers may try to pressure you into acting quickly or sharing personal information. Please do not provide any personal, banking, or payment information over the phone.

If you ever question whether someone contacting you is truly a deputy from our office, hang up and call us directly to verify.

Hughes County Sheriff’s Office
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
605-773-7470

Non-Emergency Dispatch (after hours)
605-773-7410

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