Today, July 27th, Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Partick LeBrun has released the investigative report of the officer-involved shooting that happened on Aspen Drive in Riverton on April 15th, 2020.
In that incident, 56-year-old James Hinman initiated gunfire with law enforcement when they were attempting to investigate the hit-and-run of a parked vehicle. An officer returned gunfire hitting Hinman who died two days later due to “multiple gunshot wounds,” according to the Fremont County Coroner’s report.
“The Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) performed a complete investigation into this matter because the shooting involved a Riverton Police Officer,” says the Fremont County Attorney’s Office release. “DCI interviewed numerous witnesses, reviewed audio/video surveillance, and analyzed physical evidence. The investigation is thorough and complete.”
The conclusion of the report states, “It is clear that the officer’s actions on April 15, 2020 were reasonable under Wyoming law. The officer had justification to employ deadly force under what the law describes as reasonable circumstances. James Hinman had placed the officer in a dire position, and left the officer with no choice but to employ deadly force to end Mr. Hinman’s threat. The officer did nothing beyond that. What Wyoming statute 6-2 602 refers to as “imminent death or serious bodily injury” was clearly about to occur that day, forcing the officer to act to defend himself, Detective Barry, and others.”
“The officer acted in a manner that was necessary to save his own life, and others’.”
“For the foregoing reasons, this Office shall take no further action on this matter.”
The entire report released by the Fremont County Attorney’s Office can be read by clicking here. Please note, strong language is used during the summarization of events in the report.