UPDATE, 3/5/26 – An update, via the RCPD: ” Based on the ongoing investigation, law enforcement has reason to believe that 19-year-old Starla Afraid of Lightening was in the suspect vehicle at the time of the shooting. Starla is believed to be in possession of a firearm and should be considered armed and dangerous. In addition to being sought in connection with this shooting, Starla currently has a felony no-bond Warrant for Failure to Appear for Possession of a Controlled Substance”.
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Two men are in custody and a third suspect remains at large following a Tuesday evening drive-by shooting in Rapid City that left a pet dead and property damaged.
Police have identified 18-year-old Tyrell Yellow Thunder, 21-year-old Deaundrea Janis, and 18-year-old Antwon Long Visitor, also known as Antwon Dreamer, as the individuals believed to be in possession of the suspect vehicle during the incident. All three are from Rapid City.
Yellow Thunder and Long Visitor were arrested Wednesday morning in Pine Ridge after a vehicle pursuit with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Officers recovered several firearms from the vehicle, a dark-colored Mazda CX-5.
The investigation began around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday when officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1700 block of N. 7th Street. Witnesses told police that shots were fired from the Mazda near the intersection of North 7th Street and Star Avenue.
Investigators confirmed that two vehicles and an apartment building were struck by bullets. While no human injuries were reported, police learned the suspect vehicle struck and killed a dog as it fled the scene to the south at a high rate of speed.
“This was a shooting incident within a busy residential area, and will not be tolerated,” the Rapid City Police Department stated.
The department expressed appreciation for the assistance of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety in apprehending the two suspects. However, Janis remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Police noted that Janis is a parolee under the supervision of the South Dakota Department of Corrections.
Authorities advise the public not to approach Janis. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts or the shooting in Rapid City is asked to contact detectives at 605-394-4131. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting the word “RCPD” to 847411.
