Worland man facing two counts for punching officer

WORLAND – A Worland man had an initial hearing in Fifth Judicial District Circuit Court on Thursday, facing charges stemming from an altercation on Tuesday that resulted in Worland Chief of Police Gabe Elliott being punched and dragged to the ground while attempting to subdue the subject, one John D. Laster.

Laster was charged with one count of bodily injury to a peace officer, and one count of escape by violence by the Washakie County Attorney’s Office on Wednesday. Both charges bring a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

According to documents provided by the court, officer responded to reports of an assault at Cloud Peak Counseling Center at 11:12 a.m. On scene, officers discovered that Laster had allegedly assaulted the boyfriend of his estranged wife. Officers also learned that Laster’s wife had fled to hide at the Washakie County Library.

Arriving at the Washakie County Library, Chief Elliott recognized a subject matching Laster’s description in front of the building, and approached the man on foot. While speaking with Laster, Elliott recognized that the man seemed on edge, and attempted to subdue him for further questioning.

At this point, Laster allegedly punched Elliott in the left temple, before the two men grappled then slipped and fell into the gutter, where Elliott struck his cheek on the curb. Laster then escaped on foot.

Laster was apprehended by officers several blocks away and taken into custody.

Laster is currently free on a $20,000 cash bond, and set to face a preliminary hearing on March 27.