GILLETTE, Wyo. — Campbell County Circuit Court Judge Paul Phillips set a $10,000 commercial-only bond this week for a Newcastle man accused of threatening women with a screwdriver who were looking for a dog.
Blaze D. Loebs, 32, was charged with aggravated assault and battery following an incident that occurred at 10:52 p.m. Jan. 28, Deputy Police Chief Brent Wasson said. Aggravated assault and battery is a felony punishable with imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to $10,000 or both, according to a Jan. 30 court document. Phillips presided over Loeb’s arraignment Jan. 30.
He decided that Loebs should remain jailed on a $10,000 commercial-only bond, following a recommendation of such by Deputy County and Prosecuting Attorney Nicole Ginger. Asking for either a cash or commercial bond, Ginger added the state sought the following terms: no contact with the women or a third person, no attendance at places where alcohol is the main item of sale, no use of controlled substances, drug testing, no acts of violence, no breaking laws and no departure from the state without court’s permission. Ginger didn’t publicly state the third person’s name.
Phillips said Loebs poses a danger to the community, as the crime involves an allegation of threatened violence and the weight of the evidence, based on the affidavit of probable cause, likely involves at least four witnesses, forensic evidence and tangible evidence that weighs against him. Phillips said that while Loebs doesn’t have a history of criminal violence, based on court records, the court believes the nature and seriousness of the danger posed to the community is significant.
“The warrant is based upon an affidavit of probable cause that was filed that alleges that there were some women looking for a lost dog, at which point you approached them and said, ‘B—-, shut the f— up,” Phillips said. “And it basically went downhill from there, according to the affidavit of probable cause to involve threats involving a screwdriver and putting it through the thick skull of one of them. … The court kind of believes that people ought to be able to look for a lost dog without threats of having a screwdriver jammed through their head.”
Phillips said Loebs shouldn’t drink alcohol, take illegal controlled substances, contact the alleged victims or make any acts or threats of violence. Loebs should take his prescription medicines as prescribed, submit to tests for alcohol and controlled substances by law enforcement having reasonable cause, maintain weekly contact with his attorney and receive court permission before leaving the state, Phillips said.
Loebs’ request for a public defender was denied because he’s not income eligible, based on Wyoming state law, a court document said.
Loebs’ next court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 6 in Campbell County Circuit Court, Phillips said.
