Rapid City Woman Sentenced for Grocery Store Assault

Talisse Fighting Bear pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for pointing a loaded gun at store employees.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:31pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the threat of gun violence in retail settings.A stark visual reminder of the threat of gun violence that retail workers can face.Rapid City Today

A Rapid City, South Dakota woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for an aggravated assault incident at a local grocery store. Talisse Fighting Bear pleaded guilty to pointing a loaded gun at store employees and telling them to call the police. Before entering the store, Fighting Bear is also believed to have fired two shots into the air.

Why it matters

Incidents of gun violence and threats against retail workers have become an increasing concern in communities across the country. This case highlights the risks that grocery store employees can face, as well as the challenges of addressing repeat offenders with criminal histories.

The details

According to authorities, on April 16, 2025, Talisse Fighting Bear entered a Rapid City grocery store and pointed a loaded gun at employees, telling them to call the police. Prior to entering the store, Fighting Bear is believed to have fired two shots into the air. When officers arrived, she then pointed the gun at her own head before surrendering to police.

  • The incident occurred on April 16, 2025.
  • Fighting Bear was sentenced on March 31, 2026.

The players

Talisse Fighting Bear

A Rapid City resident who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for pointing a loaded gun at grocery store employees.

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What’s next

The judge's sentence of 12 years in prison for Fighting Bear's aggravated assault conviction will now go into effect.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for improved safety protocols and de-escalation training for grocery store employees, as well as stronger measures to address repeat offenders and prevent gun violence in retail settings.