In Brief: Casper Escapee Nabbed After Nearly Four-Hour Manhunt

CASPER — Natrona County Sheriff’s Office deputies got their man after a nearly four-hour manhunt Monday afternoon on the northwest side of the city.

A report from the sheriff’s office says Joseph Herrera, 43, of Casper, was arrested in the 3000 block of Salt Creek Highway, which was closed for hours while officers searched for him.

Herrera had been sought following an escape from the Casper Re-entry Center on Aug. 5.

“Out of an abundance of caution during the investigation, neighboring homes were evacuated, and Salt Creek Highway was closed between Antelope Drive and Howard Street,” the report said.

The sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

A Loaf ‘N Jug gas station clerk, who declined to give his name, told Cowboy State Daily he was just south of the blockade when he was on his way to work and saw armed officers along the block.

“It kind of shocked me,” he said.

The road closure was put in place just before 1 p.m. after the sheriff’s office received a report that Herrera was in the area. He concealed himself on a property in the block before deputies arrived, according to the report.

The sheriff’s office put out a news release Aug. 6 stating that Herrera had escaped the Casper Re-entry Center the day before. He was initially sentenced in Natrona County for conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine.

Deputies were assisted by Casper Police Department and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Dale Killingbeck can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.