Campbell County Courthouse parking lot a hot spot for crime after hours, resident says – County 17

GILLETTE, Wyo. — Fed up with what he describes as rampant illegal activity and disturbances in the Campbell County Courthouse parking garage, a local Navy veteran and business owner implored county commissioners Tuesday for immediate action, detailing threats and a year-and-a-half-long saga of reckless behavior.

Resident Ian Brown used the board’s public comment time to address ongoing behaviors including revving engines, reckless driving, littering, vaping, underage drinking, working on cars, racing and doing burnouts. He said the actions occur frequently, sometimes multiple times a week or nightly, disturbing nearby residents.

Brown reported confronting those involved, leading to instances of being yelled at, cursed at, spat at and threatened.

“One recent example is on the night of April 3, calling my wife slurs and threatening her when she went out to confront them while I was working night shifts,” Brown said.

Brown said efforts to address the issue, like asking people to leave, threatening to call the police, involving the Gillette Police Department and reporting license plates and videos, haven’t worked. He said police officers often say they can’t act because there isn’t clear signage banning the disruptive behavior in the parking garage. He recalled attending a meeting last August where he was assured that signage would be installed.

“Even moving at the rate that government entities move, the signs should have been posted by now,” Brown said.

A Gillette police officer responded to a call March 31, and he was greeted by the young men disturbing the peace by first name, Brown said, adding he pointed out a no loitering sign to the officer, but it was ignored. Police officers have also told Brown there’s no sound ordinance, though Brown said there is.

“One of the previous commissioners compared the parking garage to playgrounds, but to that I say playgrounds have enforceable hours of operation, and I ask you, are we encouraging them to go to the parks to break the law?” Brown asked.

Brown’s proposed solutions include enforceable hours of operation for the parking garage, similar to parks, with signage posted as soon as possible. As a secondary measure, he suggested installing security gates that would allow access but not exit during closed hours, from 7 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

Commission Chair Kelley McCreery acknowledged hearing Brown’s concerns previously and the lack of action on installing signs. He said the new public works director and the county attorney would be involved to address the issue, with signage being the initial step.

Brown was suggested to work with the city of Gillette to create a rule that limits access to the parking garage after certain hours, similar to skateboard regulations. He was also encouraged to talk to the Gillette City Council about enforcing local rules.

Commissioners suggested they too could work with the city to get an ordinance in place.

“We’re going to try to be a good neighbor,” McCreery said.

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