Public Safety Briefs - June 24, 2026

Arrest made in 2021 robbery case

BROOKINGS — The City of Brookings Police Department arrested a suspect in connection with two separate armed robberies that occurred in Brookings during 2021.

Following an extensive investigation, the City of Brookings Police Department arrested Joseph M. Tomaszewski, a 48-year-old Brookings resident. Tomaszewski has been charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, both class 2 felonies under South Dakota law.

Police allege the first robbery occurred on June 20, 2021, at approximately 10:49 p.m. when it was reported that a suspect had entered what is now the Corner Pantry located at 600 Sixth St. in Brookings, displayed a firearm, and demanded cash from the register. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the area before officers arrived.

The second robbery occurred on November 5, 2021, at approximately 6:03 a.m. when it was reported that a suspect had entered Newman’s Ampride, located at 503 Sixth St., displayed what appeared to be a dangerous weapon concealed within clothing, and demanded cash from the register. After receiving money from the clerk, the suspect fled the scene.

Over the course of the investigation, the police were able to determine that the same individual committed both robberies. Through continued investigative efforts, detectives were able to identify Tomaszewski as the suspect in both crimes.

Tomaszewski was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Brookings County Detention Facility to await further court proceedings.

Attempted break-in reported

In the early morning hours of June 13, at approximately 1:29 a.m., law enforcement responded to an attempted break-in at a residence in Arlington.

According to the homeowner, he and his wife were awakened by the sound of someone kicking their front door.

The homeowner armed himself and went to investigate, finding an individual actively kicking and punching the door. He reportedly warned the person that he was armed and ordered them to stop. The suspect, described as wearing dark clothing, then fled into the darkness.

A short time later a Brookings County deputy arrived on scene and searched the immediate area. As he was searching, Kingsbury County deputies arrived on scene and helped with the search, but no suspect was located.

The homeowner estimated the damage done to the front door to be around $500. No injuries were reported during this incident.

Agencies responding included the Kingsbury County Sheriff’s Office and the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident remains under investigation by the Kingsbury County Sheriff’s Office.

Crews respond to motorcycle wreck

Later on the 13th, at approximately 8:49 p.m., Brookings County first responders were dispatched to a report of an injury accident involving a motorcycle.

According to the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office: A 17-year-old male from Volga was riding a 1971 Kawasaki 90cc motorcycle on the property, when it entered the ditch.

The rider separated from the motorcycle and sustained an injury to his wrist. He was transported to the Brookings ER and treated for a possible broken wrist.

The motorcycle sustained an estimated $200 in damage.

Agencies responding included the Volga Fire Dept, Brookings Ambulance and the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

Interstate grass fire extinguished
On June 18 around 7:45 p.m., the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, Brooking Police Department and Brookings Fire Department responded to a roadside grass fire on Interstate 29 near mile marker 129.

Responding units were able to quickly extinguish the fire. During the fire, traffic remained largely unaffected while responders were on scene. The cause of the fire is unknown, and the damage was limited to an area of grass.
The damage estimate is still pending at this time.

Crews put out fire
in Estelline
Just before 11 a.m. on June 22, the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, Estelline Fire Department,and Estelline Ambulance were requested to a house fire on 464th Avenue near 199th Street. The Bruce Fire Department, Arlington Fire Department, Brookings Fire Department, Elkton Fire Department, Aurora Fire Department, Volga Fire Department, Sinai Fire Department were also responded to the scene for mutual aid.

Responding units observed a home with flames coming out of the structure. All occupants of the home were able to safely exit with no injuries. The fire departments were able to extinguish the fire in the home.

The damage estimate is still being estimated at this time. The cause of the fire is still being investigated by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

Bigelow graduated from Arlington High in 2011 and attended Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls for sports turf management. He and his wife, Jenny, have two sons. He enjoys fishing and attending his son’s sporting activities.

Crews respond to motorcycle wreck

Around 12:30 p.m. on the 22nd, the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, Volga Fire Department, Brookings Fire Department and Brookings Ambulance were requested to the above location for a single vehicle accident. An investigation was made at the scene and discovered the vehicle left the roadway after a suspected medical event near 465th Avenue.

The operator, Michael Zobel, 66 of Arlington, was evaluated at the scene and transported to the Brookings Hospital with unknown injuries. The operator was later transferred to Sioux Falls for further treatment. The truck was destroyed in the collision causing an estimated $20,000 damage.

This incident remains under investigation by the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

— From staff reports