A male, whose age and identity have not been released, was killed in an officer-involved shooting that left a Thermopolis police sergeant wounded Friday, the Hot Springs County Coroner’s office confirmed Monday morning.
The Thermopolis Police Department overnight Friday dispatched a statement saying Sgt. Mike Mascorro is in stable condition after he was “struck by gunfire” just after noon in an active incident on Canyon Hills Road.
The statement did not mention the nature or whereabouts of any suspect in the incident, but said there was no danger to the public. The Friday statement also didn’t say someone had been killed in the altercation.
Hot Springs County Coroner Mark Mortimore told Cowboy State Daily on Monday that someone, a male, died at the scene.
Mortimore said there will soon be an autopsy on the male. He declined to release the identity or age of the deceased, citing an ongoing investigation by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
DCI Director Ronnie Jones did not immediately respond Monday morning to a Cowboy State Daily email requesting comment.
The Thermopolis Police Department also did not immediately respond to a phone call requesting comment.
Magnitude of Love, Prayers And Support
The police department late Sunday, however, posted to its Facebook page a public statement by Mascorro’s wife, Alyssa Mascorro, thanking the community for its support.
Numerous Wyoming law enforcement agencies posted messages of support for the Thermopolis agency within hours of the shooting.
“There are simply not enough words to express our deep and heartfelt appreciation for the magnitude of love, prayers and support we have received from throughout the Thermopolis community and law enforcement agencies statewide,” reads Alyssa Mascorro’s statement. “We will forever be grateful for the response from all of you as you are carrying us through and holding us in your hearts.”
While Still In Harm’s Way
Alyssa Mascorro expressed special gratitude to the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office K9 Deputy Shayna Cox, which the sheriff’s office echoed on its own page Saturday.
“Your quick response and deep courage enabled our first-class medical teams to have the best outcome possible,” said Mascorro, adding that Mike Mascorro is now stable “and in good spirits and is continuing to show improvement.”
The Hot Springs County Emergency Management page commented on the post, also thanking the dispatcher, “who never blinked and got services there to save Mikes (sic) life.”
The Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office in its Saturday post said that Cox rendered aid to Mascorro while she was still in harm’s way.
