Cheyenne, Wyoming – Jonathan Douglas Potter, 38, is facing serious legal consequences after an alarming incident in which he allegedly threatened to play Russian roulette with two women during a visit to their home.
The suspect now faces two counts of aggravated assault and battery after allegedly pulling out a gun and putting the lives of the women in danger.
The Incident
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours on Tuesday when Potter arrived at a woman’s home in Cheyenne to deliver medication along with another woman.
After entering the home, Potter reportedly used the bathroom, and upon returning, made an unsettling comment that he needed to get “strapped,” a slang term for getting armed.
According to an arrest affidavit, Potter then pulled out a Bersa .380-caliber pistol, pointed it at the two women, and said, “I’m going to play Russian roulette with this.” He allegedly removed the magazine from the gun, placed his finger through the trigger guard, and swung the gun around in a reckless manner.
The Women’s Reactions
The women, who were clearly terrified by Potter’s actions, told deputies that they feared for their lives. The woman who lived in the house reportedly asked Potter to leave multiple times. Meanwhile, the second woman, who had arrived with Potter, reportedly ran and hid in the bathroom out of fear for her safety.
Law Enforcement Response
When law enforcement arrived, Potter was reportedly standing outside the home. He allegedly told deputies that he did not understand what had happened and claimed he had gone to the home to “hang out.” He further explained that he stepped outside to smoke a cigarette before finding himself in handcuffs.
Although Potter admitted to pulling the gun out, he denied pointing it at the women. However, he acknowledged in his statement that the way he handled the situation with the women was wrong.
Legal Consequences
Potter has been charged with aggravated assault and battery for threatening to use a deadly weapon, which could result in a prison sentence of up to ten years if convicted.
Potter is currently being held in the Laramie County Detention Center while the case proceeds through the legal system.
