A Rapid City woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated assault following an armed incident at a grocery store.
Talisse Fighting Bear pleaded guilty in February to one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. On April 16, 2025, she entered the store carrying a loaded gun, pointed it at two employees, and instructed them to call police. Authorities said she fired a round into the air before entering the store.
When officers arrived, Fighting Bear briefly pointed the gun at her own head before surrendering without further incident.
At the time of the offense, Fighting Bear was on parole for two felony convictions and out on bond for other pending charges. As a felon, she was prohibited from possessing a firearm. She was also sentenced to two years in prison for the firearm charge, to be served concurrently with the aggravated assault sentence.
Assistant Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Olivia Siglin acknowledged mental health concerns but emphasized the seriousness of the offense, seeking a longer sentence. Seventh Circuit Judge Stacy Wickre cited Fighting Bear’s criminal history and behavior while in custody, including an assault charge, in imposing the sentence.
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