News Release May 6, 2018:

Contact:

Jolene Martinez, Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager’s Office
jmartinez@casperwy.gov
307.235.8332
307.267.2961

Casper police officer shot in line of duty

Casper, Wyoming (May 6, 2018) – Casper police responded to a call today at the 1400 block of South Fairdale in Casper.  Upon arrival, officers of the Casper Police Department engaged in an exchange of gunfire. One officer was struck by gunfire and is in critical condition.  The suspect is deceased.  The Division of Criminal Investigation is on the scene and will handle the investigation.

Casper Police Chief McPheeters issued a brief statement saying, “We have asked for and are receiving the assistance of Natrona County Sheriff’s Department, Mills Police Department, Evansville Police Department, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol in covering our public safety needs in Casper for the next several hours.  As everyone might imagine, this is a very emotional situation and the agencies have agreed to help us take our calls”

News Release: May 7, 2018

Contact:

Jolene Martinez, Assistant to the City Manager
City Manager’s Office
jmartinez@casperwy.gov
307.235.8332

Casper police officer remains in critical condition

Chief McPheeters gives update

Casper, Wyoming (May 7, 2018) – On Sunday, May 6, 2018 at approximately 1:36 p.m., Casper Police Department officers were dispatched to a vehicle complaint in the 1400 block of Fairdale Avenue.  Upon arrival, two Casper Police Officers made contact with a male who they believed to be involved with the vehicle complaint.  During that contact, the male unexpectedly drew a firearm and engaged the officers in gunfire.  The two officers returned gunfire.  As a result of the incident, one of the officers was struck multiple times by the suspect’s gunfire.  The suspect was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries at the scene.

The injured officer was transported to the Wyoming Medical Center Emergency Room where he received immediate, life-saving treatment for his injuries.  At this time, the officer remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.  The investigation of the incident has been turned over to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI).  All questions regarding the incident should be directed to DCI.

Natrona County Sheriff’s Department, Mills Police Department, Evansville Police Department, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol are covering calls and preventive patrol today throughout Casper.  “This assistance helps us continue to meet the needs of the officer and the rest of our patrol officers with no disruption in police services,” explained Casper Police Chief McPheeters.  “Instead of a Casper police officer responding to a call, as an example, officers from one of our partner agencies may respond.”

“The entire Casper Police Department wishes to acknowledge the outpouring of support evident throughout the community.  We would like to thank the staff of the Wyoming Medical Center and the responding ambulance crew for their heroic efforts as they worked to render life-saving aid to our officer,” stated McPheeters.  “It is also important to acknowledge the continuing support of the Public Safety Communications Center, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, Mills Police Department, Evansville Police Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Casper Fire Department, and the others who rendered immediate support to the Casper Police Department and our community so that we can direct our energies to the care of our injured officer, the officer’s family, the members of our patrol division, and the entire extended family of the Casper Police Department and the City of Casper.”

News Release: May 7, 2018 2:42 PM MST

Detective John Hatcher, Public Affairs Officer
Contact:
Casper Police Department
jhatcher@casperwy.gov
307.235.7598

Casper, Wyoming (May 7, 2018) – The Casper Police Officer injured in the Officer-Involved Shooting on May 6, 2018 remains in Critical Condition at Wyoming Medical Center.  Due to the ongoing nature of the emergency medical treatments the officer continues to receive, the Casper Police Department will not release the name of the injured officer.  “Since not of all the family of the injured Officer has joined the family here in Casper, we are asking for the public’s patience and understanding as we temporarily withhold the name of our injured Officer,” explained Casper Police Chief McPheeters.  The Casper Police Department continues to work closely with the family of the injured officer, facilitating their travel to Casper and caring for their needs to the greatest extent possible.

During the incident, it is believed that the Officer was struck by five or more bullets, resulting in serious, life-threatening injuries to the Officer.  As of this time, the Officer faces significant, ongoing medical concerns.  “The emergency treatment of the Officer’s injuries required multiple transfusions of blood and blood products throughout the night and continues at this time.  The extent of the Officer’s injuries are such that multiple shipments of blood and blood products were brought in to the Wyoming Medical Center by emergency ground and air transportation in order to replenish the local supplies of life-saving blood donations,” continued McPheeters.  “Although the volume of blood loss undergone by the Officer has been slowed, blood loss continues to pose concerns for the Officer’s timely recovery.”

According to the Chief, many people have volunteered significant aid and resources to the Casper Police Department, its employees, and to the family of the injured Officer.  “The number of persons and organizations offering selfless service in this time of need is humbling and gratifying,” said the Chief.  “It would be impossible to list all of the persons and organizations that have done so much on our behalf, but we acknowledge their kindness and generosity with sincere gratitude and thanks.  We encourage the members of the public to continue their support of our officer, the officer’s family, and the Casper Police Department family.”