THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. —The Thermopolis Police Department and Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office released video of a September 2024 officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a man who charged officers with a bat, the Cowboy State Daily reported.
The man was fatally shot by Thermopolis Police Officer Ryan Loving and Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Deputy Max Lee-Crain after he charged at them with a metal baseball bat outside his home on Sept. 9, according to the report. Fremont County Attorney Patrick LeBrun ruled on Feb. 7 that the officers’ actions were legally justified, citing the need to protect themselves and bystanders.
Authorities were initially called to the man’s home after a neighbor reported him behaving erratically with a bat. Footage from body, dashand home security cameras shows the man chasing a police vehicle, striking it with the bat and attempting to open the door. Loving attempted to stop him by bumping him with his vehicle, but the man continued his aggressive behavior.
When officers confronted the man, he ignored multiple commands to drop the bat and threatened to retrieve a firearm. Loving unsuccessfully deployed a taser before Gottula charged toward Lee-Crain, prompting both officers to open fire.
Emergency responders were called, but Gottula was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report.
LeBrun concluded that the officers gave the man “ample opportunity” to surrender but were unable to stop his aggression, according to the report. His decision letter stated that the man “simply would not stop the violence.”
