Background: The Casper, Wyo. apartment complex where Rylie Woolson allegedly opened fire (Google Maps). Inset: Rylie Woolson (Casper Police Department).
A Wyoming woman who got involved in her friend’s personal problems allegedly shot at another woman — and was allegedly very determined to discharge her weapon.
Rylie Woolson, 25, was arrested by the Casper Police Department on May 29 after her involvement in her friend’s domestic dispute allegedly ended in gunfire. According to an affidavit obtained by local news outlet Oil City News, an argument between two unnamed women at a Casper, Wyoming apartment complex was taking place in a courtyard on the property — one of the women lived at the complex, and the other woman was reportedly having an affair with that woman’s husband.
Woolson, who also lived at the complex, was reportedly friends with the betrayed wife and, according to police, decided to become involved in the fight.
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According to the affidavit, Woolson’s boyfriend, Brent Sanborn, whose age was not provided, told Woolson about the fight and suggested that she go check on her friend. He told police that the argument “threw up a red flag” for her, but he reportedly warned her not to get too involved.
Despite that, witnesses told police that they saw Woolson come out of her apartment wielding a handgun, approach the two women, and allegedly aim the gun at the woman engaged in the apparent affair. That woman told police that she grabbed Woolson’s arm and a struggle for control of the gun ensued. When she noticed that the gun was aimed at her stomach, she told police that she heard a clicking sound.
The affidavit stated that other people came out to get the gun away from the fray, and Sanborn ultimately got his hands on the weapon and ejected the clip. Woolson then reportedly said, “That’s okay, I have another clip upstairs.”
Woolson left the scene for her apartment. Witnesses said that the next time she was seen, she fired at the apparent mistress from the balcony. The woman was not hit, but Woolson’s friend was reportedly hit by shrapnel. Police observed a mark in the concrete and bullet fragments at the scene.
After allegedly firing her weapon, Woolson gathered up her two children and another three children she had been watching and left the premises along with Sanborn in her vehicle. Both were apprehended by police in a nearby shopping center.
Woolson was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and battery and posted $25,000 bond. During her court appearance on May 30, she reportedly told the judge that she was dealing with mental health issues. The affidavit stated that Woolson told a detective that she hoped her friend would take the same kind of action for her.
The woman whom Woolson was allegedly aiming at was not hurt. The five children who had been under the care of Woolson and Sanborn were taken into protective custody.
Sanborn was charged with violating a protection order and was booked on a $2,500 cash or surety bond.
