Suspect arrested in Fremont County shooting

RIVERTON (WNE) — Police are investigating a shooting on Sunday afternoon north of Riverton that left a 40-year-old Riverton man in the hospital. 

According to a Fremont County Sheriff’s Office press release, the victim, who had reportedly been involved in an altercation with the suspect, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and both the suspect and victim left the scene. Dispatch on Sunday afternoon relayed a “be on the lookout” advisory, otherwise known as a BOLO, for the suspect shortly after the reported shooting. 

The suspect, Evan Smith, 19, was arrested the following day by the Riverton Police Department during a traffic stop. 

The shooting comes after an uptick in crime in and around Riverton.

Last Wednesday in the early morning hours, police responded to three attempted robberies of convenience stores in rapid succession, with at least one including a suspect armed with a machete. Three juvenile males, ages 14 and 15, were arrested for aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery shortly after the incidents. 

Multiple vehicles were also stolen last week, and Riverton has experienced an increase in vandalism calls this spring. 

This story was published on July 2, 2025.