Welfare check results in shooting

The Town of Thermopolis and Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office (HSCSO) issued a joint statement on Tuesday explaining the details of an officer involved shooting that resulted in a man’s death on Monday night.

One officer from the Thermopolis Police Department(TPD) and one deputy from the HSCSO were involved in a lethal force incident that started when the TPD was called to the 300 block of Clark St. in Thermopolis for a welfare check at approximately 5:25 p.m. on September 9.

According to the joint statement, upon arrival, the TPD officer was confronted by Jared Gottula who was wielding a metal baseball bat. The statement indicates that Gottula began to strike the officer’s patrol car with the bat.

Shortly thereafter a deputy with the HSCSO arrived as backup for the TPD officer. The statement says that a struggle ensued and lethal force was deployed. Gottula was pronounced deceased on the scene. Both the officer and deputy were uninjured. 

Local authorities contacted the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Members of the DCI Officer Involved Shooting team responded to the scene, along with personnel from the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory to conduct the investigation. 

According to the statement, information will be limited as the investigation is ongoing. Both the TPD officer and HSCSO deputy have been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard during an investigation. As the investigation is ongoing neither the Town of Thermopolis nor the HSCSO will comment further on this matter.

Additional details on the shooting will be made available as DCI completes their investigation.