On Friday, August 7th, Oil City News originally reported a developing story in regards to a police-involved shooting on the 2200 block of South Jefferson.
The Casper Police Department (CPD) released additional information today, August 11th, about the reported kidnapping and hostage situation that led to an exchange of gunfire.
An adult female was reportedly being held against her will, at gunpoint, inside an apartment, according to the CPD release.
While attempting to find the apartment where the incident was occurring, officers evacuated several apartments to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those nearby.
Once the apartment was located, the release states, “officers identified themselves and, through their trained crisis intervention techniques, attempted to communicate with those inside.”
“Ultimately, to save the life of the kidnapped woman, officers forced entry into the residence and, shortly after entering, were fired upon. Officers returned fire and safely evacuated several of the individuals inside the residence, uninjured.”
“Officers assisted the kidnapped woman outside and rendered immediate aid to stop her bleeding which was sustained from gunshot wounds. She was quickly transported by ambulance to the hospital and has since been released.”
“One suspect was killed during this incident.”
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are investigating the criminal aspects of the incident.
DCI is also investigating the exchange of gunfire during the incident due to the involvement of weapons being discharged by Casper Police Officers.
In accordance with the Casper Police Department’s protocol and dedication to the standards of our profession, four of the officers involved in Friday’s incident have been placed on paid administrative leave. This action has been taken out of an abundance of caution, pending a full investigation by DCI. This protocol is in place to ensure the integrity of the investigation as well as to safeguard the mental health of the officers after a traumatic event. Additional information will be released as it becomes available from these agencies.