Street racing causes fatal accident

A Sioux Falls Police cruiser blocks the Phillips Avenue entrance at 14th Street, 6/29/22. KELO.com News photo by Todd Epp.

SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) — Another stark warning from Sioux Falls police: Street racing is not only illegal, it can also be deadly. That was the case in the fatal motorcycle crash in the northeast part of town early Wednesday morning. Lt. Andrew Siebenborn says at least two motorcycles were involved in a race that reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour. He says the race was watched by numerous spectators.

The race ended tragically when 35-year-old Anatoliy Manuylo of Valley Springs failed to negotiate the curve between North Sycamore Avenue and Benson Road and rammed his motorcycle into a parked car. Police Chief Jon Thum is calling for new laws and tougher penalties.

Street racing is by far the most common complaint received by the police. Police Chief Thum says the police have adopted a zero-tolerance policy, but admits that their options are limited.

Thum said officers have already issued more than 300 street racing tickets this year, and he is working with area lawmakers to pass new laws that will toughen penalties.