An escapee from the Casper Re-Entry Center was recaptured shortly after he failed to return from the facility, after police say he was involved in a disturbance at a Casper bowling alley.
According to law enforcement records, 35-year-old David Lee Smith was arrested during the nighttime hours of February 2nd, and was booked on recommended charges including Failure to Comply, Public Intoxication, Disturbance, and Escape from a Detention Center.
Natrona County Sheriff’s Sergeant Aaron Shatto says that Smith is alleged to have not returned to the Casper Re-Entry Center after a scheduled outing on February 2nd. Deputies are said to have responded to the facility to investigate.
After an initial investigation, Sheriff’s officials were notified of a disturbance on the 2800 block of CY Avenue, at a bowling alley.
Casper police say that the received the Disturbance call just before 10:00 pm, February 2nd. Dispatch advised responding officers that a male was fighting in the parking lot.
Upon arrival CPD officials say that a male matching the description of the fighting suspect was located, and subsequently identified as Smith.
Smith was reportedly in the street and yelling obscenities at a group of approximately ten people, who were in the bowling alley’s parking lot.
Police say that they spoke with Smith who told them that he had been drinking malt liquor, and had gotten into a verbal altercation with individuals at the bowling alley.
An affidavit in the case says that Smith reported becoming agitated and went outside to the parking lot. He claimed that he and several unknown persons pushed each other and exchanged insults, but no punches were thrown.
Smith is also said to have admitted that he was supposed to return to Casper Re-Entry Center, but chose not to because he had a “gut feeling” that something bad would happen to his family members.
Police report that a portable breathalyzer test was taken by Smith, and indicated a .14% blood alcohol content.
Smith is reported to have intermittently shouted obscenities to lingering persons in the area.
The suspect was ultimately arrested and transported to the Natrona County Detention Center.
All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office.
