CASPER — A former Casper Police Officer who pleaded guilty to shooting at Natrona County Sheriff’s Deputies during a 17-hour armed standoff last August couldn’t be sentenced for the crime Thursday because he fell off a crane and broke his leg, his attorney reported.
Michael Hughes, 31, was scheduled to be sentenced on six charges related to the Aug. 22-23, 2024, standoff at Quail Run Apartments on the southeast side of the city.
On March 6, he pleaded guilty to five counts of aggravated assault and battery and one count of reckless endangering in a plea deal with Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen.
Thursday’s continuance of Hughes’ hearing is the second time his sentencing has been postponed. He was initially set to be sentenced June 17, but his attorney Trevor Schenk asked it to be rescheduled because of a scheduling conflict with a doctor who is to testify on Hughes’ behalf.
This week, Schenk wrote to Natrona County District Court Judge Catherine Wilkins, telling her Hughes needed a different medical specialist to deal with a more immediate issue.
“Defense counsel received a phone call from Mr. Hughes at approximately 1:40 p.m. today,” he wrote to the court Tuesday. “Mr. Hughes had just fallen off a crane at work and believed he had broken his leg.
“After seeking medical attention, it was confirmed that he suffered a broken right tibia, dislocated the ankle on the same leg and tore tendons in his ankle. The injuries will require surgery.”
Schenk said his client is scheduled for surgery. He also stated Hughes is not trying to cause “undue delay” to his sentencing and wants to “resolve this case.”
No Objection
Itzen did not object to the continuance of the sentencing hearing.
The charges against Hughes stem from the August 2024 standoff where Natrona County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call from Hughes’ estranged wife that he was suicidal and had threatened to shoot law enforcement responders.
During a 17-hour standoff, he shot through a window at deputies, fired into the ceiling of his apartment and threatened to kill himself and anyone who came through his apartment door.
Court documents show that Hughes’ wife had filed for divorce, and his attorney was served with papers six days earlier.
During his change-of-plea hearing in March, Hughes told the court thathe was suicidal, intoxicated and “going through a mental health crisis.”
“Because of my intoxication and mental state, I don’t recall everything,” he said.
Hughes told the judge that he threatened officers and “fired a shot” through his window.
“Were law enforcement officers in the vicinity when you did that?” the judge asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Hughes replied.
Hughes also told the judge that he had a “handgun” and fired a shot into the ceiling above him.
Itzen told the court that the bullet was lodged in about 2 feet of concrete in the floor between the apartments.
Court records show that following his arrest, Hughes’ initial $500,000 bond was reduced to $20,000 cash so he could attend a mental health treatment program in Utah for police and first responders. It specializes in helping those dealing with mental health issues, addiction, and the impact of trauma. He completed the treatment.
Hughes also has been on continuous alcohol monitoring as part of his bond.
He lost his job as police officer as a result of the incident.
Itzen told the court in March that he would limit his sentencing request to five years in prison and ask that all the charges against Hughes be served concurrently.
He said Hughes would still be responsible for restitution for a felony property destruction charge that was dropped.
Dale Killingbeck can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.
