Special prosecutor named to review officer involved shooting

A special prosecutor has been named to review the officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of Thermopolis resident Jared Gottula during a welfare check at his home on September 9.

Fremont County Attorney Patrick LaBrun has stated that he has received the majority of the report compiled by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). LaBrun will review the report and determine if the two officers involved, one a Thermopolis Police Officer and one a Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Deputy, were justified or should be charged in the shooting. Neither officer has been identified by officials. Both have been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.

Gottula was shot and killed following a neighbor’s request for a welfare check on the man who was reportedly suffering from a mental health condition. According to an earlier joint press release issued by the Thermopolis Police Department and the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office, Gottula was wielding a bat in his front yard, an incident occurred, and lethal force was used by the responding officers. Gottula was pronounced deceased on the scene. Neither the officer nor the deputy suffered any injuries.