Authorities Say Officers Justified in Deadly Force Against Armed Suspect

On September 9, 2024, Authorities responded to reports of Jared Gottula, 41, wielding a metal baseball bat in a threatening manner. When confronted by a Thermopolis Police Department officer, Gottula allegedly charged at the officer's vehicle, prompting multiple attempts to disarm him. Despite being struck by the patrol car and targeted with a Taser, Gottula continued advancing toward officers. The situation escalated when a Hot Springs County Sheriff’s deputy arrived, and Gottula reportedly raised the bat while approaching the deputy, leading both officers to fire their weapons. Gottula was pronounced deceased on the scene. Neither the officer nor the deputy suffered any injuries. The investigation, conducted by the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, concluded that the officers acted lawfully and in self-defense.