The Watertown Police Department has arrested an 18-year-old Watertown resident after a months-long investigation into a September motor-vehicle theft.
On September 13, 2025, officers responded to a report of a stolen pickup taken overnight from a residence in southeast Watertown. The vehicle, which had been left unlocked with the keys inside, was discovered later that afternoon in Watertown. Additionally, more than $1,100 worth of tools and personal items had been stolen from inside the truck.
Officers processed the vehicle and collected multiple pieces of evidence, which were submitted to the South Dakota State Forensic Laboratory for analysis. On November 24, 2025, the Watertown Police Department received confirmation linking the evidence to Ryder Shepherd, age 18, of Watertown. On December 1, 2025, officers located Shepherd and took him into custody without incident.
Shepherd was charged with:
•Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
•Grand Theft from a Motor Vehicle
•Criminal Entry of a Motor Vehicle
He was booked into the Codington County Detention Center on a $5,000 cash bond.
The Watertown Police Department reminds residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables, and avoid leaving keys inside. These prevention steps significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a vehicle theft victim.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.