Casper Man, Matthew Gerhard, Arrested for Downtown Building Vandalism, Disrupting Internet and 911 Services
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A Casper, Wyoming, man, identified as Matthew James Gerhard, 46, was apprehended on Monday night after allegedly breaking into a city-owned building located downtown. The incident resulted in significant damage that disrupted cellular and internet services for over 30,000 customers, critically impacting their ability to contact emergency services via 911.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
According to the report filed by Casper Police Officer Megan Dovala,law enforcement,fire department personnel,and technicians from Mountain West Technologies were dispatched to the former Casper Business Center at 123 W. 1st St. around 9:14 p.m. on June 23.Upon arrival, they discovered water flooding from an open valve in the basement, power switches turned off, and control panels destroyed.
Authorities located Gerhard concealed in a crawlspace behind drywall in the basement. After being informed of his Miranda rights, Gerhard reportedly identified himself as “King Harry Windsor” and requested legal portrayal.
Gerhard was formally charged in circuit court on Wednesday with property destruction exceeding $1,000 and criminal entry, a misdemeanor. A cash or surety bond was set at $15,000. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty or pleading guilty in a court of law.
Did You Know? The city of Casper purchased the building in 2022 and is currently renovating it to serve as the new police headquarters. Though, the internet and phone company continues to lease space within the building.
Extent of the Damage
The full extent of the damages is still under assessment. Preliminary investigations revealed that a sump pump had been removed from its designated location and destroyed. Elevator control panels were ripped out, and switches in the electrical room were tampered with. The air conditioning units on the roof were also affected, according to police reports.
Detective Ryan lowry reviewed security footage, which showed Gerhard entering the loading dock area around 8:35 p.m. on Monday. Police believe Gerhard accessed the roof above the loading dock by navigating through the parking garage and lowering himself onto the breezeway connected to the building.
Gerhard’s Criminal History
The affidavit notes that Matthew Gerhard has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for felony drug charges, assault, and theft.
Pro tip: Reviewing security footage is a crucial step in identifying suspects and piecing together the events of a crime.
Impact on the Community
The vandalism caused significant disruption to the community,affecting over 30,000 customers who rely on cellular and internet services. The disruption of 911 services is particularly concerning, as it could delay emergency response times and endanger lives. The cost of crime in Casper is projected to be $17,231,550 in 2025 [[3]].
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Matthew James Gerhard,46 |
| Charges | Property destruction (>$1,000),Criminal entry (misdemeanor) |
| Bond | $15,000 (cash or surety) |
| Location | Former Casper Business Center,123 W. 1st St. |
| Impact | Disrupted internet/cellular service for 30,000+ customers |
Adam Bigham was also arrested by Casper Police in connection with multiple vandalism cases [[2]]. Separately,a Wyoming man pleaded guilty to Christmas vandalism [[1]].
What measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future? How can communities better protect critical infrastructure from vandalism?
Understanding the Impact of Vandalism on Infrastructure
Vandalism targeting critical infrastructure can have far-reaching consequences,extending beyond mere property damage. Disruptions to communication networks, such as internet and cellular services, can impede access to essential services, including emergency response systems like 911. The economic impact can also be considerable, affecting businesses and residents alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About the casper Vandalism Incident
- Who is the suspect in the Casper vandalism case?
- The suspect is Matthew James Gerhard, a 46-year-old Casper man.
- What charges does Matthew Gerhard face?
- Gerhard is charged with property destruction exceeding $1,000 and criminal entry, a misdemeanor.
- Where did the vandalism incident occur?
- The incident took place at the former Casper Business center, located at 123 W. 1st St., which is owned by the city.
- When did the vandalism incident happen?
- The incident occurred on the night of Monday, June 23, 2025.
- Why did the vandalism cause such widespread disruption?
- The vandalism damaged critical infrastructure, including internet and cellular service equipment, affecting over 30,000 customers.
- How much was Matthew gerhard’s bond set at?
- Gerhard’s bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety.
- What is the current status of the building that was vandalized?
- The building, purchased by the city in 2022, is under renovation to become the new police headquarters, but an internet and phone company still leases space there.
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