Cheyenne Police: Man Pointed Rifle at Roommate, Used Firework to Fake Gunshot

A 59-year-old Cheyenne man is facing a felony charge after reportedly pointing a rifle at his roommate and then setting off a firework to fake a gunshot.

Police Called to Aggravated Assault

According to a booking sheet, it all started around 6 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, after police were called to an aggravated assault at Paul Henry Schraeder's home in the 4700 block of King Arthur Way.

Get our free mobile app

Police say Schraeder's roommate told them that Schraeder knocked on her bedroom door while she was sleeping and when she opened the door he was pointing a rifle at her.

A Loud Bang

Schraeder's roommate said she shut the door and then heard a loud bang that she believed was a gunshot.

Police say they spoke to Schraeder on the phone, who told them that he pointed a hunting rifle at his roommate, then went downstairs and set off a firework to make it sound like a gunshot.

Use of Force

When police asked Schraeder to exit the house and speak with them, he reportedly exited the house and started walking at a fast pace toward them, disobeying their commands to stop.

Police say Schraeder flipped them off and told them to shoot him, and force had to be used on him to stop him.

Arrested and Charged

Schraeder was handcuffed and taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for jail clearance due to a laceration on his head, then booked into the Laramie County Detention Center.

Schraeder was subsequently charged with aggravated assault and battery - threatens to use a drawn deadly weapon, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

He was also charged with interference with a peace officer - no injury, a misdemeanor.

Bond Set at $5K Cash

Schraeder made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on Thursday, Feb. 20, during which his bond was set at $5,000 cash and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28 at 9:45 a.m.

Please remember that all suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.