RAPID CITY, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that a man from Custer, SD, has been sentenced for Attempted Disarming of a Law Enforcement Officer, a Class 4 felony.

John Kocer, 55, pleaded guilty in July and was sentenced to a maximum sentence of 10 years at the State Penitentiary.

The conviction stems from a March 2025 incident where Kocer was stopped for speeding and equipment violations while on felony probation.

After being informed of citations, Kocer fled on foot, ignored commands, and a taser was ineffective.

During a physical struggle, Kocer gained a dominant position, wrapped his arms around the Trooper’s waist, and struck him.

While on his back, Kocer reached for the Trooper’s duty belt and nearly accessed the firear

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