Two South Dakota men facing stolen firearms charges

Third to be sentenced October 2

SIDNEY -- Two Pine Ridge, South Dakota, men face charges in Cheyenne County District Court after a pursuit in which stolen firearms were recovered.

Richard Lee Martinez, 33, and Edgar Bear Runner III, 23, were arrested April 29 after a chase that began on Interstate 80 near Lodgepole. Nebraska State Patrol troopers said the pickup they were in was speeding in a construction zone and failed to stay in its lane.

The pursuit ended when the pickup left County Road 8, went through a fence and rolled near County Road 117.

Martinez was charged with four counts of possession of a stolen firearm and tampering with evidence. He is due in court at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 1.

Also in the pickup was Akicita O. Fast Horse, 20, of Wounded Knee, South Dakota. He was treated for injuries, then arrested on three counts of possession of a stolen firearm and one count of tampering with evidence. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a stolen firearm. Sentencing is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 2.

Bear Runner is being held on four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, four counts of possession of a stolen firearm and operating a vehicle to avoid arrest. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 14.