LCSO Releases Body Cam Video From Deadly 2022 Halloween Shootout

In an effort to answer the community's questions, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post Thursday evening released a video briefing containing body camera footage from last Halloween's deadly, deputy-involved shootout.

Sheriff Brian Kozak says the incident all started around 7 p.m. when a deputy saw James Albert Templeton Jr., whom he knew to have three felony warrants and whom law enforcement had been looking for for several months, handing out candy to children who were trick-or-treating in the Saddle Ridge neighborhood.

Kozak says Templeton was wanted for strangulation of a household member out of Laramie County, kidnapping out of Jefferson County, Colorado, and failure to register as a sex offender out of Denver, Colorado.

"Because of the nature of the warrants, the deputy was concerned for the safety of the children who were trick-or-treating and set up surveillance of (Templeton)," said Kozak.

"Two other deputies and a sergeant were called to the area to assist with surveillance and set a perimeter around (Templeton's) house," he added.

Kozak says at 8:42 p.m., after determining the streets were clear of trick-or-treaters, the deputies determined they would attempt to contact Templeton when he exited the front door.

"The primary deputy waited near the front door; however, (Templeton) came out before the other deputies had moved to a closer position," said Kozak.

Kozak says Templeton disobeyed the deputy's primary commands and retreated into the house.

"The deputy was worried for the safety of the woman (in the house) since he knew she was the victim in the strangulation case," said Kozak.

When the deputy forced entry to rescue the woman and proceeded to tase Templeton, the taser probes did not connect.

"The deputy saw (Templeton) retrieve an item believed to be a weapon from the cabinet (and) retreated, telling the second officer who entered the home to get out," said Kozak.

"The second officer, who was in training, believed the deputy said get down instead of get out and the officer got down behind the couch," Kozak added.

Realizing the officer was in danger, the deputy reengaged Templeton so the officer could get out. Templeton then exchanged gunfire with the deputy.

"The deputy was shot three times and retreated with the other officer," said Kozak. "(Templeton) obtained a rifle and waited for law enforcement to reenter the house. While waiting he died from the wounds he sustained during the gun battle with the deputy."

"The primary deputy was unable to return to work due to the severity of the injuries he received during this incident," Kozak added. "He has since retired from law enforcement."

As is the case with all officer-involved shootings, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the incident and found that Templeton had made earlier statements he would shoot law enforcement if they came to his door.

"The Laramie County District Attorney ruled that the deputy's actions were reasonable," said Kozak. "An internal investigation also found the deputy's performance was within policy."

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Since taking office on Jan. 3, 2023, Kozak, who wasn't elected until eight days after the deadly shooting, has been looking at opportunities to better prepare his deputies for high-risk warrant service.

Thus, he has implemented the following six standards:

1. SWAT
   The criteria to use the SWAT team was revised to include high-risk warrant service.
2. PRENOTIFY
   An agreement was made with local law enforcement to notify each other prior to a high-risk warrant service.
3. U.S. MARSHALS
   My office assigned a deputy to the U.S. Marshal's task force to be another resource for high-risk warrant service.
4. AMBULANCE
   An ambulance will stage for future high-risk warrant service.
5. NEW BODY CAMERAS
   Deficiencies in body warn cameras were observed, thus, a new system was purchased and deployed by the Sheriff's Office.
6. PIO
   When the incident was initially reported the previous administration was not transparent with the facts, thus, we have appointed a full-time public information officer and created a policy to allow timely updates involving critical incidents and information such as this.

Kozak says the video, which can be viewed below, is intended to inform and educate the public about a critical incident and a goal to be more transparent about his office's operations.

WARNING: The following video contains violence and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.

For more information about the shooting, check out our earlier posts:

• More Details Released About Deadly Halloween Shootout in Cheyenne
• Laramie County Deputy Injured in Deadly Shootout Released From Hospital
• Barnes, Kozak Issue Statements On Halloween Night Shootout
• BREAKING: Laramie County Deputy Injured, Suspect Dead After Shootout