A Wyoming man, Jonathan Douglas Potter, 38, is facing charges of aggravated assault and battery for allegedly threatening two women with a firearm in a game of Russian roulette. If convicted, Potter could face up to a decade in prison.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of a Tuesday when Potter visited a woman’s home in Cheyenne to deliver medication, accompanied by another woman. According to an arrest affidavit, Potter excused himself to use the bathroom shortly after arriving at the residence.
Upon exiting the bathroom, Potter allegedly made a remark about needing to get “strapped,” before brandishing a Bersa .380-caliber pistol. The affidavit states that Potter pointed the gun at the women and declared his intention to play Russian roulette. He then removed the magazine from the gun, placed his finger through the trigger guard, and swung the weapon around.
The women, understandably frightened by the situation, reportedly told Laramie County deputies that they feared for their lives. The homeowner asked Potter to leave multiple times, while the other woman sought refuge in the bathroom.
The arresting deputy noted that alcohol was involved in the incident. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they found Potter outside the home. He claimed to be unaware of the situation, stating that he had stepped outside to smoke a cigarette and returned to find himself in handcuffs.
Potter later admitted to brandishing the gun but denied pointing it at the women. Despite this, the affidavit quotes him as acknowledging that his actions towards the two women were inappropriate. Potter is currently being held at the Laramie County Detention Center.