Sioux Falls police investigating case of man who died in October altercation as homicide

Correction: A previous version of this story had the wrong date of the altercation and misidentified the victim. The story has been updated to reflect this change.

A man has died following what police are calling a "physical altercation," at a Sioux Falls bar back in September.

Police responded to a call on Oct. 27, 2022 at the Gateway Lounge and Casino. The initial call was an individual having trouble breathing, according to police spokesperson Sam Clemens.

"Initially, we weren't sure. There was a guy that was injured and taken to the hospital. We didn't know if there had been some fight, if he fell, if there was some type of medical event," Clemens said at a daily briefing. "Ultimately, once he was in the hospital, he ended up dying from injuries."

More: Names released in fatal 2-vehicle crash after Lincoln County police chase

Police identified the victim as Shane Allen Birger, 43, from Sioux Falls. A recent autopsy, determined the death was by homicide, Clemens said. Birger died on Nov. 10, 2022, according to an obituary.

Clemens went on to say the investigation is still ongoing, but they have no arrests or charges to report.

Police did not say whether or not they had surveillance video of the incident, or when the autopsy was completed.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls police investigating death after 'altercation' as homicide