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Resident tells council of alleged harassment, attempted arson and concerns about police response
Summary
During public comment a resident, Samuel J. Buck, reported months of harassment, two incidents of property damage including burn marks and a later house fire, recordings he supplied to police, and said restraining‑order attempts were denied; city staff offered to follow up.
Samuel J. Buck told the Laramie City Council during public comment on June 24 that he has experienced ongoing harassment from an ex‑roommate and associates, described two incidents of threats and property damage including burn marks and smoke in his home, and said he submitted video recordings and reports to the Laramie Police Department but had not seen enforcement outcomes.
Buck said restraining orders he attempted to file were denied before reaching court and that he provided recordings to officers (Officer Ash and Officer Weaver were named) and spoke with a lieutenant (Tom Smith) and a sergeant (Moore). He described an incident late in May of the previous year in which burn marks appeared on his house and, he said, smoke later billowed from the home while he was away; he told the council he lost everything in the resulting damage.
Why it matters: The resident used the public‑comment period to request follow‑up from city staff and to place on record his account that he believes law enforcement did not take sufficient action on reported harassment and an apparent arson attempt.
Key statements and follow up
- Buck said he has video on his phone of two separate incidents and that he reported them to Officer Ash and Officer Weaver and spoke to Lieutenant Tom Smith and Sergeant Moore. - Buck said he had a citation issued to him for stalking and harassment after an interaction while trying to retrieve his nephew’s phone; he said that was the only time he had contacted the young woman who had the phone. - The presiding official asked Buck to provide his contact information to the city clerk so staff could follow up with an investigation and next steps; the official said staff would be in touch after an initial investigation.
Council/staff response
The presiding official acknowledged the need for investigation and told Buck to provide contact information to the city clerk; staff agreed to follow up and return to him with guidance about next steps. No formal council action or vote was taken; the matter was recorded as public comment and a staff follow‑up was promised.
Ending
Buck said he remains on a fixed income and lacks resources to pursue private legal action; staff asked him to provide contact information and said they would investigate further and advise him on next steps.
