Update on 4/17: New information has confirmed it was a flashbang that went off just before the suspect was taken to the hospital for injuries. It was not a gunshot.
On Wednesday afternoon the Riverton Police Department and Fremont County Sheriff’s office were dispatched to a residence on Aspen Drive. The initial call was for a hit-and-run. After law enforcement attempted to contact the individual involved, he barricaded himself inside his house.
Upon arriving shortly after 1:00 p.m., officers built a perimeter around the house and surrounding streets, many with weapons drawn.
At approximately 2:15 p.m. a series of gunshots were fired from the residence. Riverton Police Chief Eric Murphy confirmed to County 10 on scene that the suspect had shot several rounds at law enforcement officers as they approached the house. There were no injuries reported to law enforcement or bystanders.
Around 3:15 p.m. law enforcement began evacuating neighboring houses. Tactical law enforcement teams from Natrona County brought assistance to the scene around 5:00 p.m.
Law enforcement and a SWAT team entered the residence at 5:45 p.m. At 5:53 p.m. a flashbang was reported inside the residence. The suspect was then reported to be taken via ambulance to SageWest Hospital in Riverton. The extent of the individual’s injuries are unknown at this time.
County 10 is on scene and hopes to follow-up with information as it is confirmed to us by law enforcement.
Please continue to avoid the area unless you are a resident.
7:00 p.m. update: Riverton Police Captain Todd Byerly has released the following information;
On Wednesday April 15, 2020 at approximately 1:02 P.M. Riverton Police Officers responded to the 1400 Block of Aspen Drive for a report of a Hit and Run involving a motor vehicle. During the investigation officers attempted to make contact with the suspect involved in the hit and run. During the investigation the suspect was identified as a 56 year old Riverton resident. The subject proceeded to barricade himself inside a residence at which time the Riverton Police Department evacuated the residential area. During the situation, the suspect initiated gunfire toward officers who returned fire. The suspect did sustain a gunshot wound and is being medically treated at this time. The situation has been contained and there is no threat to the community. The incident has been turned over to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.