Bond Reduced for 3 of 4 Suspects in Alleged Trooper Assault

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Bond has been reduced for three of the four suspects in the alleged assault of a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper.

Twenty-two-year-old Jonathan Melendez, 26-year-old Desiree Sukert and 23-year-old Chase Sukert all have pleaded not guilty to being accessories in the alleged Oct. 24 assault of Trooper Zachary Bader during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 east of Rapid City. They also face drug and weapons counts.

KEVN-TV reports bond for Melendez and Desiree Sukert has been reduced from $1 million to $50,000, and bond for Chase Sukert has been lowered from $750,000 to $50,000.

Thirty-three-year-old suspect Donald Willingham has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, aggravated assault, and drug and weapons charges in the case. His bond is $5 million.

All of the suspects are from Washington State.

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