The results have been shared of an independent criminal investigation and prosecutorial review of the April 20, 2026, officer involved shooting in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The review concluded that Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Deputy Nathaniel Hull acted lawfully and that no criminal charges will be filed. Officers had responded to an apartment complex after dispatch learned that an 18-year-old Arkansas native, Zander Bowlin, was in his apartment with several firearms, may have shot himself, and may shoot others. During the incident, Deputy Hull took a position outside the apartment building and made verbal contact with Bowlin while he was on an apartment exterior balcony. He ordered Bowlin repeatedly to show his hands and drop the weapon. “Bowlin continued moving between the apartment and the balcony while armed with different firearms. According to the investigation, Bowlin pointed firearms toward Deputy Hull on multiple occasions. Deputy Hull remained behind cover and did not fire during those earlier encounters. Bowlin eventually emerged carrying an AR-platform rifle. He turned toward the area where patrol vehicles, law enforcement officers, and residents evacuating the building were located and lowered the rifle in their direction. Deputy Hull ordered Bowlin to drop the rifle. Bowlin then turned the rifle toward Deputy Hull, who fired three rounds from his duty pistol, striking and incapacitating Bowlin.” Bowlan was flown to a medical facility where he later died from his injuries.
