Casper Man Bites Security Guard’s Finger Off, Enters Alford Plea

A Casper man appeared before Judge Catherine Wilking in Natrona County District Court on Tuesday for a change of plea hearing.

Andrew B. Barrett is charged with a single count of aggravated assault, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Barrett’s public defender, Joseph Cole, told the court that Barrett wished to enter an Alford plea. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors likely have enough evidence to secure a conviction at trial.

According to court records, the alleged incident occurred Feb. 1, 2021, at Wyoming Medical Center, where Barrett had been taken on an involuntary mental health hold.

Documents state Barrett was “exhibiting manic behaviors,” including speaking about God, the devil and other topics. He was reportedly eating stuffing from inside a pillow, and when staff attempted to remove it, he became violent.

Nurses, doctors and two security officers attempted to restrain him and place a spit mask over his head. During the struggle, one of the security officers lost her grip, and Barrett allegedly bit off the tip of her index finger at the nailbed.

A doctor later determined the fingertip could not be reattached due to the extent of the trauma and risk of infection.

A witness told investigators it took at least “six people, maybe more” to place Barrett into restraints.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Assistant District Attorney Blaine Nelson said methamphetamine use by the defendant was a factor in the incident.

Judge Wilking said there is strong evidence in the affidavit supporting the charge but accepted Barrett’s Alford plea. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Barrett’s court appearance Tuesday addressed only the 2021 hospital incident.

However, court records show that in August 2022 — more than a year later — officers responded to a reported family fight involving Barrett.

According to an affidavit, officers could hear Barrett yelling when they arrived. Inside the home, they found Barrett on top of his father, while his mother attempted to pull him away.

Officers separated the individuals and placed Barrett in handcuffs.

When questioned, Barrett allegedly told officers he had used “the Devil’s dandruff,” later clarifying he meant methamphetamine.

Barrett’s father had visible injuries, including bleeding from his hand and bite marks on his chest and arms. He was transported by ambulance to Wyoming Medical Center.

In a subsequent interview, the father told investigators that Barrett attacked and bit him multiple times. Barrett’s mother corroborated the account.

Barrett was later charged with three counts of domestic battery, including one felony. He was taken to the Natrona County Detention Center.