Inset: Richard “Deak” Dollard (Lander Police Dept.). Background: The Wyoming bar where Dollard allegedly killed Evan Denevan (Google Maps).
A federal law enforcement officer is facing charges after allegedly killing a man in a Wyoming bar brawl last week. The incident reportedly involved the officer drunkenly choking the victim to death during the altercation.
Richard “Deak” Dollard, who serves as an officer with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), has been arrested by state officials. He faces charges of second-degree murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter over the death of Evan Denevan, as revealed by authorities.
The Lander Police Department detailed in a news release that officers were dispatched at 11:15 p.m. on January 9 to the Maverick Restaurant Lounge, located in the 800 block of Main Street, following a report of a “physical altercation.” When they arrived, they discovered a fight had broken out inside, prompting a call for emergency medical assistance.
Evan Denevan, who was involved in the fight, tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a subsequent announcement on Tuesday, the department confirmed the arrest of three individuals linked to the incident.
The Lander Police Department stated, “Since the event, we have collaborated closely with the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation and the Fremont County Attorney’s Office to ensure a thorough and meticulous investigation.” This investigation has included reviewing critical evidence, analyzing video surveillance, and conducting numerous interviews with those involved and witnesses.
In addition to Dollard, police also arrested two other adult males in connection with the fight, charging each with one count of accessory before the fact to second-degree murder as well as the alternative lesser charge of accessory before the fact to manslaughter.
A report from the Cowboy State Daily identified the two co-defendants as Justin Dollard, Richard Dollard’s 54-year-old brother, and Jesse Dollard, Richard Dollard’s 21-year-old nephew.
Court documents obtained by WyoFile provided additional information about the allegations against the Dollards.
According to the report, the person who placed the 911 call said Denevan was not breathing, adding, “He’s all purple.” When police arrived, bystanders were reportedly attempting CPR on Denevan. When authorities took over the lifesaving procedures, they were unable to feel a pulse and could not resuscitate Denevan.
Multiple witnesses to the fight told police they had seen Richard Dollard choking Denevan during the fight.
“Deak choked him,” a witness told police, per a probable cause affidavit.
Surveillance footage from inside the Maverick reportedly showed a visibly upset Jesse Dollard pointing toward Denevan just before the violence erupted.
In an interview with police, Justin Dollard confirmed he was involved in the altercation, saying the victim had yelled at him, “If you come over here, I will kick your a—.” Denevan then allegedly prepared to fight by taking off his glasses and hat.
Justin Dollard reportedly said he approached Denevan, who hit him, starting the brawl. At some point during the fight, Justin Dollard said Richard Dollard “pulled Denevan back to deescalate the situation,” according to the affidavit.
Jesse Dollard allegedly corroborated his father’s story, telling police, “Dad gets hot-headed,” and “Dad went after it.” He said “Uncle Deak” broke up the fight because he is “trained in deescalation.”
Surveillance footage allegedly showed 8 to 10 people already fighting when Richard Dollard came in and put Denevan in a “rear naked chokehold” that he held for nearly 30 seconds before falling and letting go of the victim. Denevan then fell to the floor limp.
While Denevan was in the chokehold, Justin Dollard was allegedly pulling the hood of Denevan’s sweatshirt in the opposite direction of the chokehold and then kicked him in the torso when he was on the ground.
