Wyoming News

UPDATE: Powell police officer fatally shoots man during standoff

Posted: Feb 9, 2012 2:25 PM by KTVQ Staff
Updated: Feb 10, 2012 8:02 AM

Standoff ends in officer involved shooting death of suspect

POWELL, WY - A Powell police officer fatally shot a man after a standoff at a Powell motel room early Thursday.

Powell Police Chief Roy Eckerdt did not release the deceased man's identity, but told us he was 31-years-old and had been residing in Powell. He added the man was well know by authorities.

A 9-1-1 call was made at 3:12 a.m. regarding "shots fired" at the Park Motel, Eckerdt said. Several more shots were fired from the hotel room between 3:13 a.m and 7:24 a.m. he said. Eckerdt believed the man had one hostage in the room with him.

The Powell Police received backup from Cody Police, Park County Sheriff's Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation.

At 7:25 a.m., officers and the suspect exchanged gun fire. The suspect was wounded by a Powell police officer.

After the shooting, the man was taken to the Powell Valley Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Details are limited about the circumstances leading up to the standoff, but Eckerdt said that they are investigating more than one location.

The Powell police officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave.