Wyoming Officers Shoot Man Who Threatened Them With a Baseball Bat

 

Hot Springs County, Wyoming — September 9, 2024: A 41-year-old man was fatally shot by law enforcement officers in Thermopolis after he allegedly charged at officers while wielding a metal baseball bat in a threatening manner. The incident, which prompted an immediate investigation by state authorities, has been ruled as a lawful use of force by the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation.

The sequence of events began when local authorities received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a man, later identified as Jared Gottula, acting aggressively and threatening individuals with a metal baseball bat. Witnesses described Gottula as walking through a neighborhood in a highly agitated state, swinging the bat and yelling at bystanders. Several callers expressed concern for their safety and that of others in the area.

Responding to the calls, an officer with the Thermopolis Police Department was dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving, the officer located Gottula, who was visibly agitated and still in possession of the metal bat. Before any verbal contact could be established, Gottula reportedly charged at the officer’s marked patrol vehicle, slamming the bat against the hood and windshield.

The officer attempted to de-escalate the situation, issuing loud verbal commands for Gottula to drop the weapon and back away. When these commands were ignored, the officer took further action to neutralize the threat. The officer used the vehicle to strike Gottula in an effort to prevent a direct physical confrontation. Despite being hit by the patrol car, Gottula remained combative and continued to approach the officer aggressively.

In a further attempt to subdue the suspect without the use of lethal force, the officer deployed a Taser. However, the stun device appeared to have little effect. Gottula, undeterred, continued to advance while gripping the bat, raising additional concerns about the safety of the officer and nearby civilians.

Shortly thereafter, a deputy from the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene to provide backup. As the situation intensified, both the officer and the deputy issued repeated commands for Gottula to drop the bat. Witnesses reported hearing the officers shout instructions clearly, warning Gottula not to come any closer.

Gottula, however, reportedly ignored the commands and instead raised the bat as he approached the deputy in what was perceived as a direct threat. Faced with a rapidly evolving and potentially deadly encounter, both the Thermopolis officer and the sheriff’s deputy discharged their firearms, striking Gottula multiple times.

Medical assistance was called immediately, but when paramedics arrived, Gottula was pronounced deceased at the scene. No officers or civilians were injured during the incident.

The Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) launched an investigation to determine whether the officers’ use of force was justified. Their comprehensive review included interviews with eyewitnesses, analysis of body-worn camera footage, and examination of forensic evidence from the scene.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, the DCI determined that both the Thermopolis Police Department officer and the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s deputy acted lawfully and in accordance with department policy. The report cited the imminent threat posed by Gottula’s actions and the failure of non-lethal methods to stop him as key factors in the decision to use deadly force.

Officials acknowledged the tragic nature of the event and expressed condolences to the Gottula family. At the same time, they emphasized the importance of officer and public safety when confronted with a violent and non-compliant suspect.

The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement and the split-second decisions required when public safety is at risk. No further charges are expected, and the officers involved have since returned to active duty.