CASPER — A man accused of triggering an hourslong police standoff outside the Casper Hall of Justice that shut down part of North David Street over the weekend refused to appear for his initial court appearance Monday.
William Randall Patricelli was scheduled to appear by video from the Natrona County Detention Center, but a deputy at the jail told Natrona County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia K. Sweet that Patricelli would not appear before the court.
Sweet continued the case until Tuesday.
Although Patricelli faces two misdemeanor charges, Sweet said she believed the circumstances justified an unusually high bond.
"I know that may seem high for misdemeanor charges," she said from the bench.
But based on the allegations presented to the court, Sweet said the alleged "effect and danger to the community is significant."
She set Patricelli's bond at $50,000 cash or surety.
Barricaded Standoff
Patricelli was arrested Saturday evening after Casper police responded to what they described as an active incident involving a barricaded subject in the 200 block of North David Street.
The response closed multiple streets and intersections for several hours as officers worked to resolve the situation.
Police ultimately took Patricelli into custody.
Authorities have not yet publicly detailed exactly what led to the barricade, and the judge did not say what the Patricelli's misdemeanor charges are.
Cowboy State Daily reached out to the Casper Police Department for more information but did not receive a response before publication.
'Gone Off His Medications'
Assistant District Attorney Amanda Kirby told the court investigators believe Patricelli had "gone off his medications."
Kirby said the alleged behavior that culminated in Saturday's barricade had been unfolding for roughly three weeks.
She added that parents attempting to complete a child custody exchange were among those affected by Patricelli's conduct.
Kirby also told the judge the new allegations closely resemble conduct that led to Patricelli's conviction in another Natrona County case less than two years ago.
Similar Allegations In Earlier Case
Court records show Patricelli was convicted after an October 2024 road rage incident.
According to an affidavit filed in that case, Casper police were dispatched Oct. 30 after receiving a report that Patricelli had been blowing kisses at another driver and repeatedly making obscene gestures.
When officers located Patricelli, the responding officer wrote that previous encounters with him raised concerns about officer safety.
"Having past knowledge of Patricelli being armed with a firearm and his hostile and antagonistic behavior," the officer wrote, it was necessary "for his safety as well as the safety of fellow officers" to order Patricelli out of his vehicle.
The affidavit in the 2024 case says Patricelli refused repeated commands to exit. Instead, he silently mouthed the word "no."
Officers ultimately removed him from the vehicle themselves.
Additional details about the recent allegations are expected to become public once prosecutors formally advise Patricelli of the charges, and the supporting court documents are filed.
Kolby Fedore can be reached at kolby@cowboystatedaily.com.
