CASPER — A former Casper Police Officer who pleaded guilty to shooting at Natrona County Sheriff’s Deputies during a 17-hour armed standoff last August was unable to be sentenced Thursday due to a fall from a crane that broke his leg, according to his attorney.
Michael Hughes, 31, was scheduled to be sentenced on six charges stemming from the August 22-23, 2024 standoff at Quail Run Apartments on the city’s southeast side.
In a plea agreement with Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen, he pleaded guilty on March 6 to five counts of aggravated assault and battery and one count of reckless endangering.
Hughes’ hearing was continued on Thursday for the second time, putting his sentence on hold. He was originally scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, but his attorney, Trevor Schenk, requested that it be rescheduled due to a scheduling conflict with a doctor who will testify on Hughes’ behalf.
Schenk wrote to Natrona County District Court Judge Catherine Wilkins this week, informing her that Hughes required a different medical specialist to address a more immediate issue.
“Defense counsel received a phone call from Mr. Hughes at approximately 1:40 p.m. today,” he told the court Tuesday. “Mr. Hughes had just fallen from a crane at work and thought he had broken his leg.”
“After seeking medical attention, it was determined that he had a broken right tibia, dislocated the ankle on the same leg, and tore tendons in his ankle. The injuries will necessitate surgery.
Schenk stated that his client is scheduled for surgery. He also stated that Hughes is not attempting to cause “undue delay” in his sentencing and wishes to “resolve this case.”
No Objection
Itzen did not object to the continuance of the sentencing hearing.
The charges against Hughes stem from an August 2024 standoff in which Natrona County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call from Hughes’ estranged wife, who stated that he was suicidal and had threatened to shoot law enforcement officers.
During a 17-hour standoff, he fired through a window at deputies, shot into the ceiling of his apartment, and threatened to kill himself and anyone who entered.
Hughes’ wife filed for divorce, according to court documents, and his attorney was served papers six days earlier.
Hughes stated at his change-of-plea hearing in March that he was suicidal, intoxicated, and “going through a mental health crisis.”
“Because of my intoxication and mental state, I don’t recall everything,” he told me.
Hughes informed the judge that he threatened officers and “fired a shot” through his window.
“Were law enforcement officers in the vicinity when you did that?” the magistrate asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Hughes responded.
Hughes also informed the judge that he had a “handgun” and fired a shot into the ceiling above him.
Itzen told the court that the bullet was lodged in about 2 feet of concrete on the floor between the apartments.
Hughes’ initial $500,000 bond was reduced to $20,000 cash after his arrest to allow him to attend a mental health treatment program for police and first responders in Utah, according to court records. It specializes in assisting people dealing with mental health issues, addiction, and the aftermath of trauma. He finished the treatment.
Hughes has also undergone continuous alcohol monitoring as part of his bond.
The incident cost him his job as a police officer.
In March, Itzen informed the court that he would limit his sentencing request to five years in prison and that all charges against Hughes be served concurrently.
He stated that Hughes would still be responsible for restitution for a felony property destruction charge that had been dropped.
