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SHOOTING

Intruder shot, caught, booked

By KVOW/KTAK News Director Leslie Stratmoen

RIVERTON, Wyo. — A Riverton man was shot, caught and booked after trying to force his way into a residence north of Riverton yesterday morning. The man, 23-year-old Shane Blackburn, was charged with criminal entry and property destruction. He was shot by the 71-year-old man who lived there.

Shane Blackburn

According to the sheriff’s report, Blackburn woke up the 71-year-old man living in the home around 1that morning by beating on the door and demanding entry. When the resident refused, the suspect allegedly kicked the door open. That’s when the resident fired his handgun.

By the time officers arrived on scene, the alleged intruder was gone and the resident wasn’t sure if his bullet hit the man. Then Blackburn showed up at the Riverton hospital seeking treatment for a gunshot wound to the shoulder, which proved not to be life threatening.

Capt. Ryan Lee of the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office said Blackburn was arrested because investigators found probable cause to believe him responsible for the incident. He said the homeowner was not arrested because he acted in self defense.

The case has been turned over to the Fremont County Attorney’s Office and further charges may be pending.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT

Drunk brothers arrested for child endangerment

By KVOW/KTAK News Director Leslie Stratmoen

RIVERTON, Wyo. — Riverton police arrested two brothers from Sheridan overnight for child endangerment after finding them drunk and attempting to care for a 5-year-old child. They’ve been identified as Jessie and Jacob Sears, ages 25 and 27. No further details about the incident were released by the department.

WEAPONS CHARGE

Riverton business owner faces weapons charge

By KVOW/KTAK News Director Leslie Stratmoen

RIVERTON, Wyo. – A Riverton area business owner and operator of a hunting outfitting ranch was arrested last month in New York State on a weapons charge after trying to board a plane with a loaded gun and two knives in his carry-on luggage.

New York’s Corning Leader newspaper reports that 53-year-old Michael D. Rinehart was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and released after posting $100,000 cash bail. Federal charges are pending.

According to published reports, he was arrested at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport after TSA security officers discovered the weapons as he passed through security. They held him there until he was picked up by the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.

Chemung County Sheriff Christopher Moss was quoted as saying authorities do not suspect Rinehart of terrorism. He went on to say Rinehart told deputies and FBI agents he forgot the weapons were in his bag.

According to the authorities, Rinehart was carrying a .38-caliber revolver with five rounds of ammunition, a 9-inch knife and a utility knife. His weapons are now a part of the 1,100 firearms confiscated last year at airport checkpoints nationwide.

Michael Rinehart

Rinehart was preparing to board a Detroit-bound flight. His final destination is unknown and his hometown was listed in official reports as Tioga, Pa.

Rinehart owns the Diamond T Welding company and runs the Wind River Whitetails hunting ranch. He’s also the former manager of The Advertiser in Riverton.