Lower Brule Man Jailed for Attacking Fed Officer

Johnny Walking Bull, 32, of Lower Brule, South Dakota, is headed to federal lockup after pleading guilty to assaulting a federal officer — a violent clash that left the agent bruised and bloodied during a routine traffic stop gone sideways.

The confrontation unfolded on March 19, 2016, when a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer responded to a reported assault at a residence in Lower Brule. Dispatch described the suspect — Walking Bull — fleeing in a blue Dodge Durango, wearing a light blue jacket and blue jeans, en route to Fort Thompson. Minutes later, the officer spotted the vehicle and pulled it over.

When asked to step out, Walking Bull unleashed a torrent of profanity, refused commands, then emerged from the SUV, stripped off his jacket, and assumed a fighter’s stance — fists clenched, head down. Without warning, he charged the officer, swinging wildly. The officer attempted to control him, but the two ended up grappling on the pavement, fists flying.

Walking Bull landed at least one solid punch — striking the officer on the cheek — and continued to thrash and resist even while pinned on the ground. He repeatedly tried to break free before being subdued and cuffed. The officer, though battered, managed to complete the arrest without additional force.

On January 4, 2017, U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno sentenced Walking Bull to 10 months in federal custody, followed by 12 months of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.

Walking Bull, convicted of assaulting, resisting, and impeding a federal officer, has been granted permission to self-report to prison by January 20, 2017. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency.