Spink County Man Accused of Pulling Gun on Trooper

ATHOL, S.D. (AP) - Authorities are searching for a Spink County man they say pulled a shotgun on a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper.

State's Attorney Vic Fischbach tells the American News that 46-year-old Randall Jungwirth is wanted on a charge of aggravated assault. The prosecutor says additional charges are being considered.

Fischbach says the trooper stopped on check on Jungwirth shortly before midnight Monday because Jungwirth's pickup truck was stuck in a ditch near Athol. He says Jungwirth allegedly grabbed a shotgun from the pickup during a field sobriety test and pulled the trigger of the unloaded weapon twice when he and the trooper struggled over the gun. Jungwirth then fled on foot.

Fischbach says area residents are being urged to lock homes and vehicles while Jungwirth is still at large.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.