A man in Wyoming is facing serious charges after allegedly pulling out a gun on two women and threatening to play Russian roulette. Jonathan Douglas Potter, 38, is accused of aggravated assault and battery after the frightening incident in Cheyenne. He could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison if convicted.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday when Potter arrived at a woman’s home in Cheyenne to deliver medication, accompanied by another woman.
After entering the house, Potter reportedly used the bathroom, and when he returned, he made a troubling comment about needing to get “strapped,” a slang term for arming himself.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local news, Potter then pulled out a Bersa .380-caliber pistol, aimed it at the two women, and told them he was going to play Russian roulette.
He allegedly removed the magazine from the gun, placed his finger through the trigger guard, and began swinging the gun around in a threatening manner.
The Women’s Reactions
The two women immediately became fearful for their lives. The woman who owned the home reportedly asked Potter to leave several times, but he did not comply. The second woman, who had arrived with Potter, allegedly ran and hid in the bathroom to protect herself from the escalating situation.
The Laramie County Sheriff’s deputies who responded to the call were told that alcohol was involved in the incident. When police arrived at the scene, Potter was reportedly standing outside the home.
He claimed he didn’t understand what was happening, stating that he had gone there to “hang out” and had stepped outside to smoke a cigarette, only to find himself in handcuffs.
Potter’s Admission
Though Potter initially denied pointing the gun at the women, he did admit to pulling it out during the confrontation. He acknowledged that his actions were wrong, although he maintained that he never aimed the weapon directly at the women. His admission, however, was not enough to avoid the charges against him.
Currently, Jonathan Potter is being held at the Laramie County Detention Center while he faces two counts of aggravated assault and battery with a deadly weapon. He could face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison if convicted of these charges.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of alcohol and reckless behavior, particularly when firearms are involved. The women involved in this frightening encounter were lucky to have escaped unharmed, but the situation could have easily turned deadly.
As the legal proceedings continue, Jonathan Potter’s actions will be scrutinized, and justice will be sought for the two women involved.
