Arrested Person Suffers Fatal Medical Event

CASPER, Wyo. (RELEASE) - On the morning of Wednesday March 8, 2023, officers from the Casper Police Department responded to a report of a minor traffic crash at the intersection of E Street & Center Street. During the course of the crash investigation, the officers contacted a passenger from one of the involved vehicles. Pursuant to their investigation, the officers developed probable cause to arrest the passenger for a drug violation.

Initial investigation shows the arrest was benign, the suspect was cooperative, and the arrest required no use of police force. In accordance with the policies of the Natrona County Detention Center, the decision was made to transport the suspect to Banner Wyoming Medical Center for a medical evaluation. There, the arrestee was evaluated by medical staff, released, and approved for entry into the Detention Center.

The arrestee was promptly transported to the Natrona County Detention Center. Upon arrival at the Natrona County Detention Center, the arrestee fell unconscious and appeared to be suffering a medical event. Although lifesaving measures were immediately employed, the arrestee was pronounced deceased on scene. The Casper Police Department Officers, Detention Deputies of the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, Casper Fire Personnel, and Banner Wyoming Medical Center Paramedic staff immediately assisted with the arrestee’s initial medical care at the Natrona County Detention Center.

The cause of this fatal event initially appears to be medical in nature and is under active investigation. In our long-standing tradition of transparency, and as part of Casper Police Department policy, our department has formally requested the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Natrona County Coroner’s Office to thoroughly investigate the cause of this death. Consistent with our own policies, the Casper Police Department will also be conducting an internal investigation into this incident as well.

The Natrona County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the arrestee after the notification is made to the next of kin. For Immediate Release This investigation is ongoing and still in the preliminary stages. More details will be provided as it becomes available.