Sheriff’s report: No damage evident at Merit Energy field after boom and black smoke

The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office received the following calls for the week of February 24-March 2:

February 24: 10:54 a.m. – A woman reported receiving an email containing a bitcoin receipt in her name and asked to speak to a deputy about it and report the scam. She had not sent any money to the bitcoin account.

3:44 p.m. – A deputy noticed a red Camero broken down on Main Street in Cowley, and the driver said he had a friend coming to help.

3:57 p.m. and 5:13 p.m. – Deputies assisted with traffic control while cattle were moved on U.S. 14A, the first time just west of Byron and the second near the Oasis Junction.

7:03 p.m. – A man reported that his dog was attacked by another dog while he was walking his dog on Lane 11. The owner of the attacking dog said she would pay for any veterinarian bills associated with the attack.

February 25: 2:06 p.m. – A caller reported seeing the back end of a semi trailer smoking as if brakes were locked up on U.S. 14A-310 west of Lovell. The truck had pulled over, but when a deputy arrived the truck was no longer on the highway, perhaps having pulled into Good to Go.

5:19 p.m. – Horses were reported out on Lane 12 at Road 11½. When a deputy arrived, no loose horses could be found.

February 28: 1:49 p.m. – A caller reported a trailer hauling seven to 10 scrap vehicles with “doors flying open and stuff falling out” just east of Lovell on U.S. 310. The Wyoming Highway Patrol was advised.

2:45 p.m. – A caller reported a white Ford pickup on U.S. 14A just east of Byron that was not able to maintain a lane of travel and hitting brakes and varying speed. Since the truck was heading into Lovell, the Lovell Police Department and Wyoming Highway Patrol were notified.

6:34 p.m. – A caller reported hearing a loud boom and seeing a ring of black smoke in the area of the Merit Energy oilfield west of Byron. A deputy responded and was unable to locate any apparent explosion or related damage to any pump site structures but would continue to patrol the area. Dispatch was unable to make contact with the company.

7:27 p.m. – A deputy met with a party who had brought a stray dog found near Frannie to the Lovell Police Department. The Town of Lovell agreed to take the dog to the animal control shelter since a deputy was involved, and the animal was put on social media sites.

March 1: 2:36 p.m. – A subject driving a skid steer hit a gas meter in Byron and completely broke off the meter at ground level. A safety valve tripped, and no gas was reportedly coming out of the line.

March 2: 9:38 p.m. – A deputy stopped to assist a parked motorist on U.S. 310 north of Frannie but was informed by the driver that she was just trying to get a kid situated in the back seat.

Note: The above calls were received by the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office. Persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and charges made upon initial arrest may be amended or dismissed as determined by the County Attorney.