Subject of Pine Bluffs Manhunt Didn't Have Gun, Police Chief Says

The man who sparked an hours-long manhunt in Pine Bluffs Tuesday, which included a community lockdown, did not possess a firearm as initially believed, Pine Bluffs Police Chief Austin Smith said Friday.

Smith says the incident began shortly after 4 p.m. when law enforcement officers, including Pine Bluffs Police Department officers and a Laramie County Sheriff's deputy, responded to a domestic disturbance at 515 Blair St.

Upon arrival, they encountered 26-year-old Hillsdale resident Tyler James Pohlman, who had allegedly made threats to use a firearm and claimed to be in possession of one.

Smith says initial attempts at de-escalation were met with resistance from Pohlman, who retreated into the residence.

"Immediately after Pohlman ran into the home, a loud popping sound was heard and a window was broken out," Smith said in a press release posted on the department's Facebook page. "This led law enforcement on the scene to suspect that Pohlman may have discharged a firearm."

"Furthermore, as Pohlman exited the back door of the residence, witnesses indicated that Pohlman was seen carrying what appeared to be a 'long black item,' that was initially believed to be a shotgun," Smith added.

Smith says an investigation revealed that Pohlman did not possess a firearm, however, at the time, authorities opted to maintain a lockdown and deploy specialized units, including the SWAT team, to locate Pohlman and address the situation with utmost caution.

"(I'd) like to commend the residents of Pine Bluffs for their resilience and emphasize that the incident could not have been resolved as smoothly without their assistance," said Smith.

Pohlman has been charged with felony aggravated assault and battery, property destruction, interference with a peace officer, and breach of peace.

He's currently being held in the Laramie County Detention Center on a $5,000 cash bond awaiting a Sept. 1 preliminary hearing.

For more information about this case, check out our earlier posts:

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Source: UPDATE: Subject of Pine Bluffs Manhunt Didn’t Have Gun, Police Chief Says