CASPER, Wyo. — A Casper man is accused of breaking into a city-owned downtown building on Monday night and causing damage that disrupted cellular and internet service for over 30,000 customers, including the ability to call 911.
Around 9:14 p.m., police, fire crews, and Mountain West Technologies technicians arrived at the former Casper Business Centre on 123 W. 1st Street.
According to Casper police officer Megan Dovala’s report, water gushed from an open valve in the basement on June 23, with power switches turned off and control panels destroyed.
Police discovered a suspect hiding in a crawlspace behind the basement’s plasterboard. Matthew James Gerhard is 46 years old.
Gerhard allegedly identified himself as “King Harry Windsor” and requested a lawyer after Dovala informed him of his Miranda rights.
On Wednesday, he was charged in circuit court with criminal entry and property destruction in excess of $1,000, both misdemeanours. He was given a $15,000 cash or surety bond and is presumed innocent until proven or pleaded guilty.
The city purchased the building in 2022 and is currently renovating it to serve as the new police headquarters, but the internet and phone company continues to lease space.
The damage is still being assessed.
Investigators discovered that a sump pump had been removed from the hole it was in and destroyed. The lift control panels were ripped out. Police reported that switches in the electrical room and air conditioners on the roof had been tampered with.
Detective Ryan Lowry reviewed security footage and discovered Gerhard entering the loading dock area Monday around 8:35 p.m.
Police believe Gerhard entered the parking garage, lowered himself onto the breezeway that connected to the building, and then climbed through the roof above the loading dock.
The affidavit describes Gerhard’s extensive criminal history, which includes convictions for felony drug charges, assault, and theft.
