Suspect Identified, Accused of Assaulting Officer in Friday Standoff in West Casper
The man accused of barricading himself inside a family member's home after allegedly attempting an armed robbery Friday has been identified.
Zachary Lovelace, 37, was charged Monday in Natrona County Circuit Court with four counts of aggravated assault, one count of felony property destruction and one count of possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent. He could face up to 55 years in prison and $51,000 in fines if convicted on all charges.
Lovelace, a lifelong Casper resident, saw his bond set at $500,000 cash or surety. The public defender's office was appointed to represent him as his case makes its way through the courts.
A Natrona County Sheriff's Office report alleges Lovelace stole an iPhone from a 32-year-old man at Bessemer Bend south fishing access at 12:10 p.m. Friday.
According to a sheriff's office news release issued after the conclusion of the standoff, deputies responded to the robbery and later found Lovelace's vehicle in the 6800 block of Sharrock Road.
Lovelace had gone into the home, which belonged to a relative of his, without warning.
Deputies asked everyone to exit the home, and Lovelace's family members complied. Lovelace, however, did not exit. A standoff ensued.
The Natrona County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team was activated. Officers used a loudspeaker to attempt to communicate with Lovelace throughout the afternoon.
The standoff ended shortly after 6 p.m. Friday. It's unclear whether Lovelace exited the home on his own and surrendered to officers, or if officers had to go into the home and use force to subdue him.
More details are expected to be made available in charging papers. Lovelace will likely make his initial appearance in natrona County Circuit Court at 2 p.m. Monday.