Cody Police Department clarifies arrest did not involve one of its own

CODY (WNE) — Following the arrest of three men in Lander for the alleged murder of a fourth at a local bar, the Cody Police Department issued a public statement clarifying that none of its officers were involved in the matter.

The confusion emerged last week after Lander police arrested three men with the last name of Dollard, including a Justin Dollard, who were allegedly involved in the fatal incident. The CPD employs a different Officer Justin Dollard as a school resource officer.

“To avoid any confusion, we want to clearly state that the individuals arrested are NOT Officer Justin Dollard with the Cody Police Department,” the CPD wrote on its Facebook page.

Further, the department said that none of the men arrested are related to Cody’s Dollard “in any way.”

“We appreciate the public’s attention to accuracy and ask that misinformation not be shared,” the department continued. “Any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the appropriate agency in Lander.”

The incident took place at the Maverick Lounge in Lander on Jan. 9. In a statement, Lander police stated that officers were summoned to the scene at approximately 11:15 p.m. following reports of a disturbance. 

Upon arrival, officers learned a fight had taken place inside the bar, and emergency medical services were summoned to the scene to render aid. 

It was subsequently determined that one individual, Evan Denevan, had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Lander police partnered with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation to investigate the incident.

Last Tuesday, police arrested Richard “Deak” Dollard, a BLM law enforcement officer, in connection with the incident. Dollard faces second-degree murder charges. Also arrested were Richard’s nephew, Jesse Dollard, and Jesse’s father, Justin Dollard, who each face accessory to second-degree murder charges.

This story was published on Jan. 20, 2026.