The Casper Police Department is partnering with federal agencies to investigate a fire that occurred on May 25th, 2022 in Casper, Wyoming.
At 3:49am on Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, Casper Police responded to a business building located in the 900 block of East 2nd Street in Casper for a report of a business burglary.
The caller told police they heard glass break behind their residence and witnessed an individual leaving the area carrying a gas can and a black bag.
Officers immediately responded to the area. Officers located a broken window on the north side of the business building and observed smoke coming from the northeast corner of the building. Officers immediately requested support from Casper Fire-EMS who responded to the scene.
The fire, which was found to be located in the west side of the building, was quickly extinguished. After the scene was determined to be safe by fire crews, law enforcement entered the scene to further the investigation.
Law enforcement remained on the scene throughout the day and overnight hours to investigate and ensure the scene remained secure. The scene was released to the business owner at 1:00pm on May 26th, 2022.
No injuries have been reported as a result of this incident.
The Casper Police Department is working in tandem with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to assist with the investigation; both agencies responded to the scene and continue to assist in the investigation.
Officials continue to investigate the potential that the cause of the fire in this incident was intentionally set. Investigators have identified several areas within the building where an accelerant was used. Surveillance footage from the area is continuing to be reviewed as part of the investigation. To protect the integrity of the investigation, images from the footage cannot be released at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Casper Police Department Investigations Division at 307-235-7517 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Central Wyoming at crime-stoppers.com or by calling 307-577-8477.
The Casper Police Department, along with partnering investigative agencies, are committed to completing a highly professional, comprehensive, detailed, and evidence-based investigation into this incident. Timely and factual information will be released as it becomes available by the appropriate agency.
The Casper Police Department would like to thank the many agencies that have assisted in this complex investigation.
The Casper Police Department is dedicated to the protection and safety of our community through the highest standards of professionalism in police services.