Army Veteran Killed After Allegedly Grabbing Officer's Gun

Casper, WY – Trae Stewart Spurlock, a 26-year-old Army veteran from Casper, was fatally shot nine times in an officer-involved incident at The Ridge at Blackmore Apartments on Thursday night, according to a preliminary report from the Natrona County Coroner's office. The incident, which occurred in the 5000 block of Pay it Forward Drive, unfolded during a response to a disturbance call, as detailed in a press release by the Casper Police Department on Friday.

According to the Casper police statement, Spurlock, identified as a retired Army sergeant, allegedly attempted to gain control of a firearm, leading to the officer firing multiple shots. A preliminary coroner's report indicated that Spurlock sustained gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen, thigh, back, buttocks, forearm, and multiple wounds on his left side. The report noted injuries to his heart, liver, and lungs, but found no evidence suggesting close-range firing.

The manner of Spurlock's death was classified as a homicide following an autopsy, which confirmed the cause as multiple gunshot wounds. However, the report does not determine criminality, emphasizing that not all homicides are considered crimes.

In response to the incident, the Casper Police Department has requested the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation to conduct a thorough review. The involved officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as per a press release from the Casper police.

Ryan Sweeney, a close friend and fellow veteran of Spurlock, expressed a desire for justice, stating, “I'm wanting to make sure that this process is handled properly and that Trae, who doesn't have a voice anymore, gets justice.”

Spurlock, who leaves behind three children, was described by Sweeney as a dedicated individual who consistently served others through his actions.