The tower tech was reportedly at this Verizon cell tower site off of U.S. Highway 26 in Guernsey, Wyoming, when he was shot. It is unknown at what height he was on the 185-foot guyed tower.
A tower tech working on a Verizon cell tower was shot in the thigh Thursday evening while three U.S. Air Force members were engaged in target practice on federal land outside Guernsey, according to the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around 7:30 p.m. to the area near Warm Springs Trace, Wyoming, after receiving reports of a shooting, Sheriff David Russell said in a statement. Limited cell service in the remote area initially hampered communications with first responders.
Upon arrival, the first deputy found three men target shooting on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. Nearby, a fourth man — a telecommunications worker servicing a Verizon tower — had sustained a gunshot wound to his left thigh. He was airlifted to a hospital in Cheyenne, where he was later released and is expected to undergo surgery at a later date.
“Thankfully, his injuries were not as severe as initially thought,” Sheriff Russell said.
The three men involved in the shooting were identified as active-duty U.S. Air Force members, who had been firing 9mm handguns and .223-caliber rifles at targets on the public land. They have cooperated with authorities, provided contact information, and have been instructed to remain in the area during the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Russell emphasized that the incident is still under investigation and could take time to determine who is at fault.
The sheriff also issued a reminder to the public about firearm safety, particularly when shooting on public lands where others may be present.
“While shooting firearms can be an enjoyable activity, it’s important to be aware of your target and what’s downrange,” Russell said. “Accidental shootings can have life-altering consequences and may result in criminal charges.”
The sheriff’s office has not responded to a request for additional information regarding the tower tech’s name or the company he was employed by.
