C17 Crime Clips for Wednesday, August 28

GILLETTE, Wyoming – Here is a summary of notable crimes in and around Gillette yesterday, August 27, from police reports from the Gillette Police Department and the Campbell County Sheriff's Office.

Criminal damage, August 27, Tepee Street, GPD

A 13-year-old boy was cited for criminal damage after he was identified as the suspect who spray-painted a daycare school bus and was responsible for other property damage in the area, Gillette Deputy Police Chief Brent Wasson said. Officers identified the boy after surveillance showed him spray-painting the bus a second time and issued him five tickets around 8:04 a.m.

Trespassing, Aug. 27, East Lakeway Road, GPD

Officers arrived at Sage Valley Junior High School around 9:21 a.m. to arrest two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old boy who allegedly threw a birdbath off the school's roof, Wasson said. There was only minor damage to the sidewalk's concrete, and the report did not provide any information about where the birdbath came from.

Criminal damage, August 27, Church Avenue, GPD

Officers were dispatched to Church Avenue because juveniles were throwing rocks at a mobile home, Wasson said. The suspects were identified as a 10-year-old boy, a 10-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy. They were allegedly upset with the mobile home's resident, who had refused their request to play on a trampoline. No citations were issued, although the property manager intends to seek civil damages.

Drugs, Aug. 27, Camel Drive, GPD

A 16-year-old boy was cited for use of a controlled substance after staff at Campbell County High School called around 1:27 p.m. to report that he may be impaired, Wasson said. The boy allegedly admitted to using a dab pen and a vaping device during lunch. He turned in the vaping device and was cited for possession of it while under 21.

Fraud, Aug. 27, South Garner Lake Road, GPD

A 23-year-old woman called police from South Garner Lake Road at 2:11 p.m. to report suspected fraud, Wasson said. The woman said she called a local utility company's number to pay her bill. The man who answered said the company could not help her but offered her his private services as an alternative. The woman paid the man over $200 but called police after her natural gas was shut off for nonpayment and learned the money was never deposited into the account. The investigation is ongoing.

Drugs, Aug. 27, Skyline Drive, CCSO

Officers arrested a 32-year-old man for drug possession after a traffic stop on Skyline Drive around 11:20 p.m., said Lt. Paul Pownall of the Sheriff's Office. The man was stopped for speeding and a drug-sniffing dog allegedly indicated drugs in the vehicle, leading to a search. Officers found several fentanyl pills and a small amount of marijuana. After being taken into custody and transported to the detention center, the 32-year-old man admitted to having additional drugs on him. He allegedly handed over 36 fentanyl pills and 3.9 grams of suspected cocaine. He was charged with two counts of drug possession.

With the C17 Crime Clips, County 17 aims to provide its readers with the most detailed and comprehensive list of interactions between law enforcement and the citizens of Gillette and Campbell County. However, some information is withheld to protect the identities of victims and not jeopardize ongoing criminal investigations.