RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Pennington County man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting at a passing dump truck on Radar Hill Road, conduct prosecutors said was part of a pattern of similar dangerous behavior spanning several years.

Delray Ryckman, 60, pled guilty in June to Discharge of a Firearm at an Occupied Motor Vehicle.

At sentencing, Assistant Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Olivia Siglin asked Seventh Circuit Court Judge Joshua Hendrickson to impose the maximum 15-year prison sentence, arguing that a lengthy period of incarceration was necessary to protect the public from someone who had repeatedly shot at moving vehicles over a period of years.

“His conduct in this case was extremely dangerous. It is incredibly fortunate that no one was shot or killed,” Siglin said. “When someone repeatedly fires a gun at occupied vehicles, the potential consequences are devastating. A significant prison sentence is necessary to protect the public,” she continued.

Before handing down the 10-year sentence, Judge Hendrickson called Ryckman’s actions “disturbing, reckless and potentially fatally violent.”

Discharge of a firearm at an occupied structure or motor vehicle is a Class 3 felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

This case was prosecuted on behalf of the State by Assistant Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Olivia Siglin.