On August 10th around 3:15 p.m., police received a report of a burglary that had occurred to a residence in the 2900 block of Tomahawk Drive. A variety of items were reported stolen from the home, to include two rifles and a handgun. After speaking with other residents of the neighborhood, police were informed that witnesses observed two males carrying items from the residence. The males got into a blue colored minivan before leaving the area. Witnesses were able to provide the license plate on the van. Police later located the van parked at a residence at 916 LeBlanc Street. The van was observed leaving the residence and a felony-level traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle in the 2200 block of Haines Avenue. Both occupants were ordered out of the vehicle. The driver was identified as 19-year-old Jacob Martin of Rapid City and the passenger was identified as 18-year-old Simba Maat of Piedmont. A concealed pistol was located in Maat’s pants. Both were detained in handcuffs. As police cleared the vehicle, they noted the strong smell of raw marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle turned up a variety of miscellaneous property, several items of which were identified as property reported stolen from the residence on Tomahawk Drive. Two bags of marijuana were also located in the vehicle. Over the course of the ensuing investigation, police determined that both Martin and Maat were responsible for the burglary to the residence on Tomahawk Drive. The stolen handgun would later be located inside the residence at LeBlanc Street. Police received additional information that the stolen rifles had been taken to a residence in Piedmont. Detectives worked with the Meade County Sheriff’s Office in order to execute a search warrant at this address, where the two stolen rifles would be located.
Both Maat and Martin would be placed under arrest for 2nd Degree Burglary, Grand Theft Firearm, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Ingestion of a Substance to Intoxicate, and Ingestion of a Controlled Substance. Maat was additionally arrested for Commission of a Felony with a Firearm and Driving without a Valid License.
This incident is particularly noteworthy as it showcases a large amount of quality police and detective work in order hold the offenders accountable for their actions and recover these firearms before they get into the wrong hands. We appreciate the working relationship we have with the other law enforcement agencies in the region, and this case highlights that partnership as well.
