Suspect shot and killed on I-80 east of Cheyenne

A suspect was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon during an encounter with law enforcement on Interstate 80 east of Cheyenne. The incident occurred near mile marker 377, close to the Hillsdale exit, approximately 15 miles from the city center.

Laramie County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene around 1:42 p.m. The shooting triggered a large police presence on the highway. Officers worked to manage traffic flow while emergency crews rushed to the location. The Division of Criminal Investigations has taken over the case to determine the exact sequence of events.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect or the specific circumstances that led to the deadly encounter. Radio traffic from the scene captured deputies coordinating with first responders and requesting medical emergency services shortly after the shots were fired.

Austin Lawrence, who was driving from a doctor's appointment, witnessed the aftermath of the incident. He recorded video of the scene and described it as a stressful situation. Lawrence said he prayed that everyone involved was safe.

In a separate development, incoming Republican Gov. Eric Barlow has selected Walter Eggers to serve as the state’s attorney general. Eggers is a registered Democrat. Barlow cited advice from three former Wyoming attorneys general, who noted that party affiliation is not a determining factor for the non-political role.

Eggers previously represented oil, gas, and coal companies for 24 years. In a phone interview, he stated that he is proud of that representation and continues to view those industries as the lifeblood of Wyoming. He also noted that his wife is a registered Republican and that the differences between parties in Wyoming are often overstated.

The National Weather Service office in Riverton reports that 2026 is shaping up to be the warmest year in Wyoming's recorded history. Records at many locations date back to 1892. Meteorologists attribute the conditions to above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation across much of the state. Fall foliage in southern and western Wyoming has been described as exceptional.

Forecasters are currently analyzing data from a polar vortex and an influx of air from Greenland. These factors, combined with a strong El Niño pattern, are expected to influence weather conditions in late November. Meteorologists are also reviewing last winter's forecasts, which predicted a colder, snowier season than what actually occurred.

Ranchers in the state are receiving nearly 20% less for cows used in ground beef since a federal plan took effect on Sept. 1. The plan allows for the import of an additional 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings over 90 days at lower tariff rates. The measure is scheduled to end on Nov. 30. Sarah Carden, senior director of research and policy at Farm Action, noted that cattle producers are bearing the price drop while meatpackers continue to benefit.