(Rapid City, SD) — A Custer man has been sentenced to up to 10 years in the State Penitentiary for trying to disarm a law enforcement officer during a March traffic stop. John Kocer pleaded guilty to a Class 4 felony after fleeing on foot, ignoring commands, and struggling with the trooper, nearly reaching the officer’s firearm before backup arrived. Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Olivia Siglin said Kocer’s actions turned a routine stop into a life-threatening situation and put the community at risk.
