CASPER — A multi-agency search for a man believed to have fallen into the North Platte River began at about 2 a.m. Tuesday and included dogs, drones and manpower. It ended more than 10 hours later when the man was found safe at his home.
Now the Casper Police Department has turned the incident into an investigation of a possible case of false reporting.
Department spokesperson Rebekah Ladd said the incident Tuesday began with a call to authorities about 2 a.m. from a man who said his brother fell into the North Platte River in the 300 block of West F Street and was missing.
Now investigators have shifted their focus to potential charges for the “reporting party,” she said.
The alleged missing brother was found safe “at his residence” before noon Tuesday, Ladd reported.
“As part of the follow-up investigation, officers interviewed the reporting party at length,” Ladd said in a statement responding to a Cowboy State Daily inquiry for more information about the search. “His statements were inconsistent, and evidence indicated he was under the influence of multiple substances when he placed the call.”
Ladd said officers now believe that the report was false and “no river rescue was ever needed.”
She didn’t say what the man’s motive might have been for making such a report, but it rallied a significant response from law enforcement and other first responders.
Had To Take It Seriously
The man's brother had told police that he and his brother had been at the river drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana when they fell into the river.
Following the call Tuesday, Casper police and other agencies searched the river for a few hours before suspending the search for a time and resuming it at daybreak.
Ladd said the department takes emergency calls seriously and that based on the initial information provided, “officers and partner agencies had credible reason to believe a person had fallen into the river during hours of low visibility, necessitating a coordinated search and rescue operation.”
The team had the responsibility to continue efforts until the reportedly missing man was found, she said.
The effort Tuesday involved the Casper Police Department, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, Natrona County Emergency Management, Casper Fire Department, Banner Wyoming Medical Center Emergency Medical Services, and others.
Ladd said the department is continuing its investigation and “will, if appropriate” recommend charges consistent with making a false report.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all partner agencies who assisted in this operation and commend their professionalism and commitment to serving the community,” Ladd said.
Wyoming law states that if a person falsely reports to 911 about an emergency, they can be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.
The statue does not specifically address reimbursement issues involving a false report.
When asked if CPD would seek reimbursement if charges are filed, Ladd said the department is considering “all relevant and appropriate efforts to recommend charges for this individual, the specifics of which have not been determined at this time as the investigation is ongoing.”
Dale Killingbeck can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.
