Runningbear Pettit, a 23-year-old resident of Bunch, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to two felony charges related to an armed assault. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma confirmed that Pettit admitted guilt to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, Pettit pleaded guilty to using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. This second charge also has the same maximum penalties.
The indictment stated that on January 30, 2025, Pettit assaulted an individual with the intention of causing bodily harm and used a firearm during the incident. These events took place in Adair County within the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
The case resulted from an investigation conducted by several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service; and the Stilwell Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson accepted Pettit’s plea in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and ordered a presentence investigation report be completed. Sentencing will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge who will consider both U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Until sentencing is finalized, Pettit remains under custody by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Gross and Michael E. Robinson represented the prosecution in this case.
