CHEYENNE, Wyo. – A 33-year old Cheyenne man was arrested by law enforcement after it was alleged that he threatened to open fire on the Veterans Affairs Hospital.
According to affidavit of probable cause, Christopher Gross was arrested by Laramie County Sheriff deputies during the afternoon hours of December 30th, 2021 on the charge that he made Terroristic Threats.
Authorities say that they received a call from an individual on December 29th, requesting that they make a welfare check on Gross. The individual alleged to law enforcement that they had heard Gross threaten to ‘shoot up’ the Veterans Affairs Hospital.
Officials with the LCSO say that deputies made contact with Gross on the 29th, who stated that he did not threaten the VA. According to the affidavit, Gross advised deputies that he did not want to hurt himself or others.
Paperwork filed in Laramie County Circuit Court says that on December 30th, a second call was made to LCSO to ask authorities to perform a welfare check on Gross. The caller told deputies that Gross seemed ‘agitated and was talking about ammunition and bombs.”
“Due to the possibility of bombs at the residence I called Christopher and asked him to meet me elsewhere,” a deputy stated in the affidavit.
According to the affidavit, LCSO deputies coordinated with Gross for him to meet them in an empty parking lot in Cheyenne.
“When Christopher got to the parking lot, deputies observed a handgun in a leather holster on his right hip. Deputies placed Christopher in custody and seized the handgun.” authorities reported.
Law enforcement says they applied for and were granted a search warrant for Gross’s residence. They say upon execution of the search warrant deputies located three rifles in the suspect’s living room. One of the rifles was described as being a 5.56x45mm AR-15.
Authorities go on to say they also located multiple AR-15 magazines, and other various ammo types inside of the bedroom of Gross.
Gross made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on January 4th, 2020 to hear the recommended felony charge of Terroristic Threats read to him by Judge Lee.
According to state statutes, if convicted, Gross could face up to 3 years in prison and or a fine of up to 10k.
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 Laramie County District Attorney’s Office. Information is provided by the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.
