CASPER — A Casper Police Department officer faces six felony charges stemming from an alleged 17-hour armed standoff when he was off duty at an east-side apartment complex that began late Thursday night.
Natrona County Sheriff’s Officer spokesperson Kiera Hett said Michael Hughes, 30, has been charged on suspicion of five counts of aggravated assault and one of property destruction $1,000 or more, all felonies. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangering with a firearm.
An arrest affidavit detailing the events of the standoff was not immediately available Monday morning.
Hughes barricaded himself inside Quail Run Apartments on East 15th Street after police were called around 11:30 p.m. Thursday on a report of an armed “suicidal” person, the NCSO reports.
The standoff led to evacuation of some apartments and the deployment of a Special Response and Crisis Negotiations teams. There was a significant law enforcement presence for about 17 hours until the incident was resolved peacefully at about 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Casper Police Department spokesperson Amber Freestone said she could not release how long Hughes has been a member of the department and referred all questions to the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the incident.
Impact On The CPD
An official statement released by the Casper Police Department on Monday says the standoff happened while Hughes was “navigating a personal crisis,” and he was off duty at the time.
“Thankfully the incident involved no reported injuries and resulted in his lawful arrest,” the release says. “Our officer was off duty and, according to policy and best practice, the incident was handled and is being investigated by the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office.”
Casper Police Chief Keith McPheeters said the incident has impacted the department.
“Our officer’s actions reverberated throughout our entire department and especially amongst those that have worked closely with him,” he said.
The CPD statement also mentions the nature of the job and stress that’s “associated with being a first responder and recognizing the human moments we all encounter.”
Each charge of aggravated assault carries a potential 10-year prison sentence, the property destruction worth more than $1,000 charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The reckless endangering with a firearm charge carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail.
Contact Dale Killingbeck at dale@cowboystatedaily.com
