On January 12th at 8:47 a.m. Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a bar and cafe in Jeffrey City for a call about a weapons offense.
A third-party caller had identified 52-year-old Dustin Hiatt and told Sheriff’s that he had shot a gun at his wife, not striking her.
Court documents show the woman told Sheriff’s that Hiatt had been drinking alcoholic beverages since about 3:00 p.m. the previous day. She said that Hiatt was continuing to drink when she went to bed. Dustin chose to sleep inside the bar that night.
The next morning, the couple were supposed to transport horses to Colorado. The woman asked Dustin if he still planned to go. Documents show that he told her to go alone. The woman then apparently asked Hiatt about a video game he plays. At that point he became upset and an argument ensued.
Sheriff’s reported that the woman exited the cafe and walked toward her truck when Hiatt came out after her. She observed him pull a silver revolver out of a holster and state, “I’m over this.” The woman told deputies at this time she ran toward the truck to get behind it. While running she heard a gunshot. She then got in the truck and left the area.
After receiving the woman’s statement, authorities found Dustin inside the bar and arrested him. Hiatt told authorities that he, “did not shoot at (his wife,) but instead shot toward the goats located in a pen between the cafe and residence.”
Hiatt is accused of one count of aggravated assault and battery and one count of possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent. Both penalties combine for a maximum penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment.
On February 26th a preliminary hearing was held for this case. Evidence was presented that indicated the defendant was under the influence of alcohol when the offense occurred. The court found the case had probable cause to be transferred to District Court for arraignment at a later date.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.