PINE BLUFFS, Wyo. — The Pine Bluffs Police Department addressed two separate use-of-force incidents Wednesday that occurred over the weekend, both involving intoxicated drivers who became combative during their arrests.

The first incident happened on Saturday at the Knotty Pine bar, where officers responded to reports of an intoxicated man attempting to drive away. According to police, the man was moving his vehicle toward the building when officers intervened, shut off the car and detained him. During the DUI investigation, the suspect became combative, prompting officers, along with a Laramie County Sheriff’s deputy and a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper, to place him in a restraint device known as a “wrap.” The device is designed to restrict movement and prevent individuals from harming officers or themselves. The man was later booked into the Laramie County Jail without further incident.

The second incident occurred on Sunday, when Pine Bluffs officers assisted the Wyoming Highway Patrol with a suspected DUI-related crash near County Roads 161 and 210. Officers located the driver and began their investigation, but the suspect became uncooperative and attempted to re-enter his vehicle. A conducted energy device was deployed but failed due to a battery malfunction, forcing the officer to subdue the suspect using physical force. The man was taken into custody and booked on multiple charges.

Police credited four community members who either reported the incidents or assisted officers, stating that their actions helped prevent the situations from escalating into potentially fatal events. The department also thanked its law enforcement partners at the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office and Wyoming Highway Patrol for their swift response.