For Immediate Release

 Contact:

Jeremy Tremel, Lieutenant Office of the Police Chief
jtremel@casperwy.gov
(307) 235-8278

UPDATE

Officer Involved Shooting

CY Avenue and Kit Carson

Casper, Wyoming (July 12, 2018) – On July 10, 2018, officers from the Casper Police Department responded to the 500 block of Granite Peak Dr, Casper, WY, for the report of a male subject who had threatened individuals at that location with a firearm. Prior to the arrival of officers, the suspect had already left the scene. Attempts were made to contact the suspect in his vehicle but, ultimately, the suspect eluded officers. Later, the suspect vehicle was located at the gas station on the corner of CY Avenue and Kit Carson. Once located, officers from the Casper Police Department responded. The first officer on scene contacted the male suspect who was armed with a firearm and an officer-involved shooting ensued.

On July 12, 2018, the Natrona County Coroner’s Office released the name of the suspect who died as William T. McCollum, twenty-one (21), of Casper.

The officer involved in the shooting is identified as Officer Craig Burns. Officer Burns is a five- year veteran with the Casper Police Department and is a Field Training Officer (PTO) and Public Information Officer (PIO). Officer Burns is a proud member of Patrol Team 3.

Officer Burns, in full uniform and driving a marked police vehicle, had not yet started his workday at the time of the incident and was driving to work to attend his Team’s daily briefing when, having been monitoring the radio, he responded directly to this inherently dangerous incident.

The Casper Police is grateful that no other law enforcement officers or citizens were injured during this tragic event and acknowledges the grief felt by Mr. McCollum’s family and friends. The Casper Police Department recognizes the valuable assistance of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, the Casper Fire Department, the Natrona County Coroner’s Office, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming Homeland Security ICE/ERO, and the Wyoming Medical Center for their efforts in the joint response to this event.

Consistent with Casper Police Department policy, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is conducting an investigation of the incident. Any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to DCI.

News Release
For Immediate Release

 Contact:

Jeremy Tremel, Lieutenant Office of the Police Chief
jtremel@casperwy.gov
(307) 235-8278

Officer Involved Shooting

CY Avenue and Kit Carson

Casper, Wyoming (July 10, 2018) – On July 10, 2018, at approximately 0537 hours, the Public Safety and Communication Center (911 dispatch) received multiple 911 phone calls from the 500 block of Granite Drive, Casper, WY. Multiple callers reported that a male subject had pointed a firearm at several individuals. Officers from the Casper Police Department immediately responded. Prior to officers arriving on scene, it was reported that the male suspect fled the area in a vehicle.  A vehicle description was provided to local area law enforcement.

Once officers arrived on scene, through interviews, they confirmed that the male suspect had indeed threatened several individuals by pointing a firearm at them. At approximately 0546 hours, local area law enforcement located the suspect vehicle, which fled from officers and eluded them. The suspect vehicle again was located at 0617 hours driving in Evansville, WY. Local area law enforcement attempted to pursue the vehicle as it entered back into Casper, WY. The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed on East 2nd Street, traveling towards the downtown area. Supervisors from the Casper Police Department advised officers not to pursue the vehicle as the driver was placing the public in danger.

At approximately 0631 hours, an off-duty deputy from the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office advised the suspect vehicle was parked at the Loaf ‘N Jug on the corner of CY Avenue and Kit Carson. An officer from the Casper Police Department immediately responded to the location, arriving at 0632 hours. Immediately after his arrival, the officer contacted the male suspect who was armed with a firearm and an officer-involved shooting ensued. The male suspect received life-threatening injuries. Medical personnel attempted life-saving efforts, but the male suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.  No officers were injured during the incident.

Consistent with Casper Police Department policy, a request was made to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct an investigation of the incident. The scene has been turned over to DCI, who will complete the investigation and who will ultimately release the results of their investigation to the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office. Questions regarding the officer-involved incident should be directed to DCI.

Although this is a tragic incident for all involved, the Casper Police Department is grateful that no other persons were injured during this event. Citizens and visitors to our community can be assured that this event has ended and that there exists no concerns for the on-going safety of the public or for the celebrations and parade occurring today.