Man Facing Felony Firearm Charges After Casper Liquor Store Theft

A Casper man is facing felony assault and firearm charges after police say he pointed a SKS rifle at a man last week.

Seth T. Blackburn, 30, of Riverton, was arrested August 6 on recommended charges of aggravated assault and use or possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, police were called to a liquor store on North Poplar at 1:29 p.m. August 6 after a cashier called and reported that an unidentified female went into the store and ran out with a half-gallon of Fireball without paying.

The woman reportedly left in a black Chevy Silverado.

Following the theft, the cashier's boyfriend followed the vehicle and attempted to get its license plate. When the cashier's boyfriend asked for the stolen liquor back, but the truck's female driver advised the cashier's boyfriend that he needed to leave or he would be shot.

At that point, Blackburn allegedly exited the truck and aimed the rifle before the cashier's boyfriend quickly fled.

At roughly the same time, a woman called dispatchers and reported seeing a black Silverado in the 100 block of East J Street. The caller said she saw a man get out of the truck with a rifle before another vehicle quickly backed away.

Later that afternoon, police received a report of a man passed out in the bushes near the North Platte River. When officers arrived, they saw Blackburn walking toward the river. When asked to stop, Blackburn instead jumped in, according to the affidavit.

Blackburn allegedly swam down the river as officers walked alongside him on the riverbank. The affidavit says Blackburn said he jumped into the river because he does not like police.

When Blackburn got out of the river, he was arrested.

The next day, the liquor store cashier was shown six photos of men who looked like Blackburn along with a picture of Blackburn. She identified Blackburn as the passenger in the black Silverado that left the scene shortly after the theft.

On August 8, Blackburn spoke with detectives. According to the affidavit, he recalled being in a vehicle, getting out and "turning" but seemed to "catch himself" and stopped explaining the situation.

Blackburn then ended the interview and asked for an attorney, according to the affidavit.