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The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the case of a runaway juvenile who was taken into custody early today, placed in a Casper Police vehicle, slipped her handcuffs and cut herself with a razor, according to a news release from Police Chief Jim Wetzel.

"The Casper Police Department will additionally and concurrently conduct its own internal investigation to review and ensure Casper Police officers’ conduct and actions were in accordance with Department policies and procedures," Wetzel wrote.

The case began about 12:10 a.m. today when officers responded to an unidentified residence where a runaway girl was believed to be harbored.

They found the girl, handcuffed her from behind, searched for weapons and contraband, and placed her into the rear of a patrol vehicle equipped with a partition for in-custody transport.

While officers were talking by phone with the District Attorney’s Office to determine
where the juvenile should be taken, the girl slipped her cuffs by moving her hands to the front. She got a razor blade she had hidden on her person, then cut her wrists with the blade.

Officers quickly determined what happened, immediately provided medical aid, and had her taken to the Wyoming Medical Center.

While the cuts were significant, they were not life threatening.

The Casper Police Department, which will conduct its own internal investigation of the incident and also asked DCI to investigate.

No officers have been placed on administrative leave.

"For the involved officers, conscientious in their duty, this incident weighs heavily on them," Wetzel wrote. "For the juvenile and her family there are undoubtedly endless questions. I ask for the community to please be patient and keep the juvenile, her family, and the officers in your thoughts and prayers during this time."

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