Bond Set for 4 Suspects in Assault of Highway Patrol Trooper

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Bond has been set for four Washington state residents charged in the assault of a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper.

The four suspects appeared in court Tuesday but didn't enter pleas to charges they face in the Saturday assault of Trooper Zachary Bader on Interstate 90. Authorities say Bader continues to recover in a hospital from serious injuries.

The most serious charges are against 33-year-old Donald Willingham, who's accused of attempted murder. His bond is $5 million.

Twenty-six-year-old Desiree Sukert and 22-year-old Jonathan Melendez are charged with being an accessory. Their bond is $1 million each.

All three also face drug charges, along with 23-year-old Chase Sukert. His bond is $750,000.

Authorities say they recovered more than 50 pounds of marijuana, $33,000 in cash and a handgun after the incident.

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