LEAD | Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed a 31-year-old Sundance, Wyo., man this morning after the man reportedly opened fire on them in a posh subdivision near Deer Mountain Ski Resort.
State authorities later identified the deceased as Rory Lynn Gunderman, who died at a hospital after being shot.
The incident began about 10:45 a.m. this morning when the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Newcastle, Wyo., police department, which requested assistance in locating a stolen vehicle, according to Chief Deputy Paul Hansen of Lawrence County. The stolen vehicle, a late-model Ford Super Duty pickup with Texas plates, had been observed in the Boles Canyon area north of Newcastle and authorities believed it was headed toward South Dakota, he said.
A short time later, deputies spotted a vehicle matching the description near the junction of U.S. Highway 14A and Rochford Road south of Lead. As the stolen vehicle continued toward Lead, deputies attempted to stop the vehicle and a pursuit ensued, Hansen said.
The pickup turned off the highway onto Powderhouse Trail, proceeded about a mile east past luxury homes in the Powderhouse Pass subdivision, then was boxed in on a dead-end road, Hansen said. The subject then exited the vehicle and ran through the woods.
“The pursuit continued on foot,” Hansen said. “The incident then escalated with the subject firing shots at Lawrence County deputies.”
Deputies returned fire and, according to law enforcement scanner traffic following the incident, struck the man in the head. The man was life-flighted to a local hospital where he later died, Hansen said. He declined to reveal how many shots were fired by the victim or the deputies.
As is the case with officer-involved shootings, investigation of the incident has been turned over to the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Hansen said.
According to a logo on the truck’s door, it is owned by Midwestern Services Inc., a national company specializing in the cleaning of large, above-ground storage tanks. A spokesman for the Houston-based firm said Wednesday afternoon that they would have no comment on the incident.
According to online documents, Gunderman was listed as a University of Wyoming Dean's List student from Sheridan in 2008.
(22) comments
Great job deputies! I'm glad none of the officers were hurt.
This guy attempted to murder our law enforcement officers...all of whom have spouses and children waiting for them at home. I don't relish that he died. But I do jump for joy that his crime spree has come to an end. And I celebrate that the officers actions were professional and that there will be no further victims of this criminal thug. I am immediately suspicious of anyone who can't comprehend these emotions.
Amen!
Some people make bad choices as this man did. The outcome was his choice, not what the officers wanted to do - he made them do the choosing. They did a great job keeping the neighborhood safe. They need our thanks and praise...
There are no "winners" in a situation like this, only pain for all involved, including the deputies.
A lot of arm chair pundits here. Let the investigation into the shooting proceed. Upon completion, if criticism is warranted, so be it.
Based upon the story as reported, it appears the deceased had an agenda which did not include being arrested.
Love the description as this guy being a Victim. He is not a victim. He is/was a suspect. Being called a victim, makes them sound innocent.
Something stinks here! Something is just not quite right. Can't put my finger on it, maybe because I'm an avid fan of forensics. There's just something about being on the Deans list, One shot fired, neglecting to comment on how many shots were fired. I don't know but something stinks here.
Peace
Great Job Deputies....This Man Stole My Husbands Truck At GunPoint...He Deserved What He Got...Death!!!!
I am happy that your husband was not seriously injured by the young man taking his truck. Your posts have filled in some of the blanks that the original news story didn't. However, I'm totally at a loss to understand the outpouring of sympathy for the young man who clearly brought this on himself, and the pejorative comments toward law enforcement.
Thank You Very Much My Husband & His Boss Went To Pick The Truck Up This Morning My Husband Called & Said This Man Campground Was Also Found...Large Artillery Weapons Pipebombs & Etc...I Believe Those Police Stopped More Than A Man That Stole A Truck...He's Intentions Were Much More...I Applaud The Officers That Were Involved In This Mans DEATH
Well these deputies got to shoot their guns, and they got to enjoy the adrenaline rush. I guess it's all good then.
Where is the impartial verification that this person shot at them?
I respect the law, but not the new breed of law "enforcement".
calvin-i'm pretty sure there will be verification. video cameras were running, might be other witnesses. but to expect the investigation to put out the results in the same amount of time that they do on tv, is ridiculous. My grandson was involved in a shooting as a law enforcement officer. I'm not sure you get it, if you think there is some kind of enjoyment that comes with it. adrenaline rush, yes. enjoyment, no. I'm sure he would trade the 5 days he spent with little or no sleep after the shooting, the ptsd, the flashes of anger, nightmares, involuntary jerks he had when shooting again for the first time, his mood change whenever he drives past the sight, his children realizing the reality of his job and worrying when he doesn't come home on time, the crass remarks from know it alls like you who can't do the job but have no problem belittling those who can. it doesn't take much to run your mouth, try going and doing the job for a week or two. it takes a spine you will never have.
Just hush!!! Yes you he held my husband at gunpoint there's your proof... So STFU!!!
A society that relishes the death of others, is a pathetic society indeed. While we should laud the officers for trying to arrest to him, but still be regretful that it cost someone their life.
That was my husband he held at gunpoint to get that truck...had the gun to his face...I'm glad law enforcement took further action....I'm very happy with the ending.. That could have been my husband on this news....Dead!!!! Just wondering if it was your husband or wife would you feel the same way then??? Wife of Midwestern Employee That Was Held At Gunpoint For That Truck!!!
Good job deputies! Good bye criminal.
Way to cheer on death. No one should be happy anyone died.
I'm happy the criminal was neutralized before he could shoot a cop or an innocent person. Someone who steals, runs from the police, and shoots at them will victimize you, too, if given a chance.
Be happy the "least worst" thing happened.
I don't think it's about cheering and celebrating the death. It's about preventing the deaths that moron driving the truck was about to cause. How him driving through one of those houses in that neighborhood, killing an entire family? This is the best outcome we could hope for and we should be proud no one else was hurt or killed.
I am. That could have been my husband..this man had a assault rifle pointed in my husbands face for that dang truck. That's Ok??????
Glad the deputies are safe. The dude made a choice - a bad one.
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