Police Shooting on 400 Block of S. 22nd in Laramie [UPDATED]

Details have been released by the Laramie Police Department, shedding some light on an officer-involved shooting in Laramie late Wednesday night.

According to an official police statement from the Laramie Police Department, officers responded to a call for an auto burglary in the 400 block of S. 22nd at approximately 11:00 pm. Upon their arrival, they were confronted by an aggressive male subject who assaulted one of the officers with a weapon. During the altercation, the suspect was shot by the officer.  The type of weapon the suspect was carrying was not released by officers.

Laramie Police Commander Mitch Cushman identified the suspect as 26 year old Kevin R. Cook, a resident of an apartment building near the incident.  Cook was transferred to a Colorado hospital, following the shooting, where he underwent surgery and is now listed in serious but stable condition.  An officer who was injured on scene was treated and released from Ivinson Memorial Hospital.

Cmdr. Cushman went on to say that, as per normal protocol, the two involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.  ”Obviously there’s an emotional component to this,” Cmdr. Cushman said.  ”We wish for them to gather their resources and faculties together before they make an official statement.”

An ongoing investigation into the shooting is being handled by the Wyoming Division of Criminal investigation.

Early reports of the suspect being hearing impaired was confirmed by Cmndr. Cushman.  ”We didn’t know at the time we responded, but apparently from previous history he does have a hearing impairment.  I really don’t have any other information other than preliminarily we don’t know that it was a problem in this particular situation, but we are looking into that aspect.”