Sheriffs' Office - Incident Reports

February 3, 2012

SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING TRAILER FIRE WITH FATALATIES.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office assisting other emergency agencies in responding to a trailer fire at 3008 Terry Road, Space #17, at approximately 5:19AM this morning (Friday, February 3rd) discovered the bodies of two deceased females in the trailer – one of which is a juvenile.

Initial investigation within the trailer lead investigators to believe that the fire may have been deliberately set. The juvenile victim was found in a bedroom and the adult female near the trailer door. The direct cause of death has not been determined at this time, and samples of materials within the crime scene are being sent for lab analysis. The fire destroyed only portions of the interior of the trailer where the two bodies were found.

The names of the two victims have not been released pending notification of relatives. Autopsies are being scheduled for the victims. The investigation remains on-going.

Point of Contact for further information in regards to the release is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office – (307) 633-4725.

Authority for release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

Date of Release: February 2, 2012

SHERIFF'S OFFICE ASSISTING RESIDENTS AND PARTIES IN RENEWED ENERGY EXPLORATION

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office will be assisting landowners and representatives from Global Geophysical Services as they conduct some additional seismic testing within the County.

Sheriff Danny Glick explained that the key is for Deputies to be present to assist in preventing any misunderstandings between landowners and the energy exploration representatives and employees. Sheriff Glick stated that respecting the legal rights of everyone is crucial and is the goal in having Deputies on-site with exploration equipment.

Deputies will accompany the energy exploration vehicles and crews so that if there are any questions, concerns, or issues, that might create a conflict between the parties involved, the Deputies can prevent any potential issues from escalating beyond conversational levels. They will also have copies of handouts dealing with “split estates” that explains the rights of all parties as well as contact information for those asking for more detailed information.

Additionally, residents who may have questions can contact their legal representative; or the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission at (307) 234-7147; as well as Global Geophysical representatives Tiffany Schleve a1-832-622-4203, or Ronald White at (580) 334-1112.

Point of Contact for further information regarding this release for the Laramie County Sheriff's Office is Gerry Luce (307) 633-4725.

Authority for Release is Lieutenant Hollingshead.

January 13, 2012.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN DETENTION FACILITY.

At approximately 8:15PM, Thursday evening (January 12th) a male inmate at The Laramie County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility was rushed to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) after an attempt at suicide by hanging himself.

The individual was treated by Deputies and Medical Staff at the Detention Facility before being transported to CRMC. The individual expired at the hospital.

The individual's name is not being released at this time pending notification of relatives and investigation into the incident that has been turned over to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

Further information on the incident is through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

Point of Contact for further information is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office (307) 633-4725.

Authority for Release is Sheriff Glick.

DATE OF RELEASE: 01/05/2012

TELEPHONE FRAUD INVOLVING JURY DUTY.

The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office is providing a warning to the public against an ongoing scheme involving jury service. The public needs to be aware that individuals identifying themselves as court employees have been contacting citizens by telephone and advising them that they have been selected for jury duty. These individuals ask to verify names and Social Security numbers, then ask for credit card numbers. If the request is refused, citizens are then threatened with fines.

You may also receive a call from someone who says you failed to report for jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for your arrest. You say you never received a notice. To clear it up, the caller says he'll need some information for "verification purposes"-your birth date, social security number, maybe even a credit card number. This is when you should hang up the phone. It's a scam.

The judicial system does not contact people by telephone and ask for personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth or credit card numbers. If you receive one of these phone calls, do not provide any personal or confidential information to these individuals. This is an attempt to steal or to use your identity by obtaining your name, Social Security number and potentially to apply for credit or credit cards or other loans in your name. It is an attempt to defraud you.

If you have already been contacted and have already given out your personal information, please monitor your account statements and credit reports, and contact your local law enforcement office.

RELEASE AUTHORIZED BY: Lt. Linda Gesell

    

SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND POLICE ARREST TWO IN SHOOTING INCIDENT AND BURGLARIES.

During the arrest of ORANTES-MARTINEZ by Sheriff's Office Deputies in the early morning hours of December 4th at 619 South Greeley Highway, ORANTES-MARTINEZ was in possession of a 9mm handgun that has now been linked as the weapon used in the shooting of 28 year old Michael Pena who was wounded during the November 30th Burglary at his residence (420 West College, #9). Also recovered during the initial investigation was a .45 caliber automatic handgun found in the street at 420 West College. This weapon has been linked to MENDEZ-VEGA. MENDEZ-VEGA is also being charged with Accessory Before the Fact.

ORANTES-MARTINEZ and MENDEZ-VEGA are also facing charges from the Cheyenne Police in regards to an Aggravated Assault and Home Invasion / Burglary that also occurred earlier the same evening of November 30th at the 1917 East 15th Street residence. It is alleged that the pair broke into the home of 28 year old Jared Halley while he and a child were present in the residence. Halley was beaten unconscious with a pistol and then a number of items were taken from the residence. The juvenile was not injured.

It also appears that the victim knew the suspects. Halley was treated and released that same evening. Charges in this incident also include Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Burglary, and Conspiracy.

ORANTES-MARTINEZ and MENDEZ-VEGA are also being held at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility for authorities in Greeley, Colorado, on charges of 1st Degree Attempted Homicide and/or Conspiracy in relation to the shooting incident that occurred at the Kohl's Office store in Greeley on December 2nd.

Investigators are also seeking two other individuals who may be related to these incidents for Conspiracy. The two suspects as well as the two additional individuals appear to have organized gang connections in the Greeley area. The initial investigation indicated that ORANTES-MARTINEZ and MENDEZ-VEGA both fled to the Greeley area after the incidents on November 30th.

The investigation remains ongoing and ORANTES-MARTINEZ and MENDEZ-VEGA are pending court appearances on Friday Afternoon (December 16th). ORANTES-MARTINEZ is also being held on a number of Federal charges also.

Point of Contact for further information in regards to the release is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office – (307) 633-4725.

Authority for release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

Date of Release: December 9, 2011

ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION WITH EIGHT BURGLARIES.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has arrested 20 year old ANTONIO SANCHEZ of Cheyenne, in connection with prior burglaries in the south Cheyenne area.

Detectives from the Sheriff's Office made the arrest on Friday morning.

Using Leads on Line and a search warrant the Detectives were able to recover a number of stolen electronics items from Sanchez's residence at 216 Factor Lane, Space Q.

Items taken during the 8 burglaries that had occurred between April and October of this year has included computers, TV's cash, electronic gaming units, movies, and a number of firearms – some of the firearms where loaded when stolen. The value of all the stolen items was over $10,700.

Sanchez is currently in custody at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility and being charged with aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon.

The investigation is on-going as initial interviews and investigation indicates that other persons may have been involved in the burglaries.

Point of Contact for further information regarding this release for the

Laramie County Sheriff's Office is Gerry Luce (307) 633-4725.

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARRESTS TWO IN MULITPLE BURGLARIES AND PROPERTY RECOVERY

MATTHEW J. DUCKWORTH, 33 years old, of Cheyenne, has been arrested for a November 22nd burglary on West Powell road that resulted in the theft of approximately $50,000 in jewelry, silverware, antique firearms, and other historical property. Duckworth was identified as a suspect after a County Road and Bridge Employee identified his vehicle in the area. Once arrested Duckworth led Deputies to the stolen items, except for some that he sold in Denver. The Sheriff's Department is currently working on getting those items returned also. Duckworth may be a person of interest in a number of other burglaries in the Cheyenne area.

Deputies have also arrested TIMOTHY F. FOX, 43 years old, for six other burglaries in the Cheyenne area. Two of the burglaries occurred in the northeast part of the Cheyenne area and four in the south Cheyenne area. Stolen in the burglaries were jewelry, a TV, and power tools.

Fox was arrested on December 2nd after he was identified as selling some brass ornaments at a local recycling business. “Leads on-Line” also helped link Fox to the stolen TV. Value of the property stolen and recovered was approximately $5,000.

Both Duckworth and Fox remain in custody at the Laramie County sheriff's Office Detention Facility.

The Sheriff's Office would also like to remind residents that law enforcement tends to see an increase in residential burglaries during this time of year.

This past weekend a number of burglaries occurred in the area of Reese Road, and along 4 mile road near Stagecoach and Buckboard Roads. If anyone might have seen anything suspicious, you are encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 633-4769, or you can call SILENT WITNESS at 638-TIPS and remain anonymous.

Point of Contact for further information is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office (307) 633-4725.

Authority for Release is Lt. Gesell at 633-4735.

December 5, 2011

DEPUTIES ARREST CHEYENNE MAN IN METH AND CHILD ABUSE RELATED INCIDENT.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has arrested STEPHEN M. RACHEL, age 56, of Cheyenne, after a request to assist the Wyoming Department of Family Services on a welfare check in regards to possible drug use found the suspect in the possession of meth.

During the investigation it was found that Rachel was teaching a 15 year old family member how to smoke meth as well as using it with the juvenile.

Rachel was arrested on Friday at his residence at 318 Montatalto Drive, #B306. He is currently being held at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility on a $2,500 cash bond. He is being charged with Child Endangerment and delivery of Meth.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Point of Contact for further information in regards to the release is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Department – (307) 633-4725.

Authority for release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

Date of Release: December 1, 2011.

Cheyenne Resident Arrested in Wednesday Night Shooting.

A Cheyenne resident, JORDON P. ROBINSON, 19 years old, has been arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Burglary (Aggravated with a Deadly Weapon) for his involvement in the Wednesday night shooting at the Mobile Home Park at 420 West College.

Deputies from the Sheriff's Department originally responded to 420 West College Avenue, #9, at approximately 9:20PM on a report of shots fired at that location. 28 year old Michael Pena was struck once in the knee area by a gunshot after chasing two intruders from his residence.

The Sheriff's Department is still seeking one other individual who was involved as well as a purple Ford Explorer that was seen in the vicinity and may be linked to the incident. The case remains under investigation.

Point of Contact for further information regarding this release is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Department (307) 633-4725.

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach

December 1, 2011.

SHOOTING AT WEST COLLEGE MOBILE HOME PARK WOUNDS ONE.

A Cheyenne resident returning to his mobile home at 420 West College #9, was wounded by a gunshot following what the investigators were told to be two intruders who were located in his residence.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Department responded to the location on reports of shots fired at approximately 9:20PM on Wednesday night. The victim, 28 year old Michael Pena, told Deputies that he had returned home to find the door to his mobile home open and two individuals in his residence. After confronting the intruders he chased them from the mobile home where a number of shots were fired at the victim.

The victim was struck once by the gunfire in the knee. He was transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for treatment.

A handgun was recovered on West College Avenue, and a number of shell casings and bullets have also been recovered.

The initial investigation also indicates that the possible suspects may have been driving, or seen in, a purple Ford Explorer. While the Sheriff's Department investigation remains on-going, Investigators have interviewed persons of interest in the incident.

Point of Contact for further information is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Department (307) 633-4725.

Authority for Release is Sgt. Hollenbach at 633-4775.

November 10, 2011

SHERIFF'S OFFICE UPDATE ON SHOOTING INCIDENT THAT WOUNDED LARAMIE COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has released the name of the Deputy Sheriff who was wounded during the early morning hours of November 10th at the Fairfield Inn in Cheyenne.

Deputy Sheriff Chance W. Walkama was struck once by gunfire through the door of a hotel room at the Fairfield Inn. He is currently listed as in good condition at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.

The suspect has been identified as 24 year old Brian J. Noel of Cheyenne. He is currently charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The case remains under investigation by the Cheyenne Police Department and is being reviewed for other possible charges by the District Attorney's Office.

Point of Contact for further information is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office (307) 633-4725.

Authority for Release is Lt. Gesell at 633-4735.

November 10, 2011

DEPUTY WOUNDED DURING WELFARE CHECK.

A Deputy Sheriff from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office was shot and wounded during a welfare check on a 24 year old Cheyenne man early Thursday morning (November 10th).

The incident began just before 10:00 PM on Wednesday evening (November 9th) when the Sheriff's Office was notified that an individual had sent some text messages to his girlfriend in Wheatland stating he was possibility going to harm himself. These messages were relayed to the suspect's family in Cheyenne who notified the Sheriff's Department here in Cheyenne. Information indicated that the suspect did have one or more handguns in his possession.

Deputies were able to locate the approximate location of the suspect through his cell phone and conducted a search of the area in the vicinity of the Mall. The Cheyenne man was located in a motel room on the second floor of the Fairfield Inn at 1415 Stillwater Avenue.

Two Deputies attempted to talk the suspect out of the room through a partially opened door. When the individual did not comply with verbal requests to come out of the room and appeared that he did have a handgun in his hands, Deputies then attempted to taze but it had no effect on the individual.

At that time the person opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun through the door. Initial investigation indicates that he emptied the magazine of a 9mm handgun through the door. At that time he then complied with the deputies instructions. Although wounded by the gunfire the Deputy was able handcuff the suspect who was then transported to the Laramie County Detention Facility.

The Deputy was transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for treatment and remains in stable condition, being treated for a wound that missed the ballistic vest, striking him in the side.

Although the shots fired by the suspect penetrated the occupied rooms across the hallway, no injuries to any other occupants were reported.

No shots were fired by the Deputies from the Sheriff's Office.

The investigation has been turned over to the Cheyenne Police Department and the Crime Scene Investigation Unit from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

The suspect is in custody at the Laramie County Detention Facility and at this time is facing charges of aggravated assault on a Peace Officer pending review of the charges by the Cheyenne Police Department and the District Attorney's Office.

Point of Contact for further information is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office (307) 633-4725.

Authority for Release is Sgt. Hollenbach at 633-4775

October 31, 2011

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK DAY BRINGS A TURN IN OF 86 POUNDS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Department reported that the National Drug Take Back Day conducted on Saturday, October 29th brought in 86 pounds of unused and unwanted prescriptions drugs from Laramie County Residents.

Two locations, the Sheriff's Office and Fire District #1 on East Allison Road were made available for residents to bring in those unused and/or unwanted prescription drugs for disposal in an environmentally safe manner. All of the drugs and containers will be destroyed in a high temperature incinerator.

In describing the effort, Lieutenant Linda Gesell, who coordinated the Sheriff's Office effort, stated, “We feel that this was a successful project in that we were able to allow our residents to dispose of these drugs safely and potentially keep them out of the hands of juveniles or others who might misuse the drugs. Additionally, environmentally, we kept these drugs from the potential pollution of landfills and disposal systems. We also remind our residents that they can still bring those unwanted drugs to the Sheriff's Office during the work week for disposal also.”

The event on Saturday was a national event that the Cheyenne Police also participated in with locations inside the city of Cheyenne.

Point of Contact for further information in regards to the release is Gerry Luce at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office (307) 633-4725. Authority for release is Lieutenant Linda Gesell.

June 10, 2011

ONE ARRESTED IN STAND OFF WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

A 40 year old Cheyenne man, Shawn Broad, has been arrested after a 3 hour stand off with law enforcement at 141 Turk Avenue in South Cheyenne.

The incident began when Cheyenne Police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance and physical assault at a residence on Manhattan Lane, at approximately 3:45AM (Friday, June 10th). Broad's ex-wife had been assaulted and transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center where she was treated and briefly hospitalized and then released due to injuries from the assault.

Deputies from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office contacted Broad at his residence on Turk Avenue and attempted to have him come out of the residence. Deputies reported that Broad allegedly pointed a handgun at the deputies and made threats of using the weapon against any law enforcement officers.

The combined tactical team and combined crisis negotiation team were called in to help resolve the situation. Neighbors in the area were evacuated as well as traffic on Fox Farm Road was restricted during the incident.

Approximately 8:00AM, Broad surrendered to law enforcement officers after successful negotiations over the telephone.

There have been no reports of injuries and no shots were fired during the course of the stand off.

Responding agencies included the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, Cheyenne Police Department, Laramie County Emergency Management, Fire District #1, and American Medical Response (Ambulance).

A subsequent search of the residence by the Sheriff's Office recovered two handguns.

Broad is currently in custody at the Laramie County Detention Facility pending charges and his initial court appearance. Law Enforcement is working with the District Attorney's Office to determine charges that may include domestic violence and assault charges.

Authority for release is Lieutenant Linda Gesell

June 6, 2011

ONE ARRESTED IN BURGLARY OF TERRY BISON RANCH.

A 37 year old Cheyenne man, Lance A. Brown, was arrested today (Monday, June 6th) in connection with a burglary that was reported Saturday (June 4th) at the Terry Bison Ranch. Reported stolen was over $5,000 in saddles and associated tack gear. Brown was a former employee of Terry Bison Ranch.

During interviews with employees of Terry Bison, the Sheriff's Office was made aware that Brown had contacted several individuals stating that he some saddles to sell. When contacted by the investigators, Brown admitted that he had taken the items and led the detectives to a shed in the 3100 block of South Greeley Highway where five of seven stolen saddles with the tack gear was recovered.

Brown is in custody at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility awaiting his initial court appearance. He is being charged with felony burglary.

Authority for Release is Lt. Gesell at 633-4735.

NEWS RELEASE INFORMATION

Date of Release: May 19, 2011

TYPE OF CRIME I INCIDENT: Arrest on Violation of Bond Conditions and Violation of a Protection Order

TIME OF 0CCURANCE; 5-17-11 to 5-19-11

PLACE(S) OF OCCURANCE: Laramie County Area

LAW ENFORCEMENT NOTIFIED: 5-19-11

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES INVOLVED: Laramie County Sheriff's Office

TEXT: On May 19, 2011 the Laramie County Sheriff's Office re-arrested former Cheyenne PoIice Officer Scott Kritzmire for violating his bond conditions and violating a Protection Order. It had been determined that Kritzmire rented a vehicle and left Laramie County without permission from District Court. Kritzmire was also texting the victim in this case which is a violation of a Protection Order.

Authorization: Lt. Linda K. Gesell 633-4735

Date of Release: May 15, 2011

CHEYENNE MAN WOUNDED IN STAND OFF WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AFTER SHOTS FIRED.

A 49 year old Cheyenne man was wounded after firing a shot with a weapon and then pointing a handgun at Officers from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office and Cheyenne Police.

The incident began shortly before 11PM on Saturday Night (May 14th) when Deputies responded to 3016 South Greeley Highway on the report of a suicidal individual with a firearm that was in a parked 5th wheel camper on a mobile home sales lot. The Deputies attempted to talk the suspect, identified as Hardy Ray Hodge, of Cheyenne, out of the 5th wheel camper. Initial investigation indicated that the suspect fired a shot and that the Deputies backed out to set up a perimeter to contain the individual as well as seek additional assistance. Deputies did not return fire.

Law enforcement officers continued to attempt to talk the suspect of out the camper when approximately 45 minutes later the suspect crouched down and stuck a hand gun out of a camper window in the direction of the law enforcement officers and officers then fired on the suspect.

The suspect retreated inside of the camper and would not answer attempts to contact him by cell phone or verbally until approximately 1:45AM when Hodge finally responded to law enforcement and dropped his weapon out of one of the camper windows.

Hodge was evacuated to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center with multiple gun shot wounds and remains hospitalized at the time of this release. Initial investigation indicates that there were less than ten shots total fired at the scene and that one Deputy from the Sheriff's Office and one Police Officer from Cheyenne Police fired at the suspect.

The investigation remains ongoing and has been turned over to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

Agencies responding included the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, Cheyenne Police Department, The Combined Negotiations Unit, The Combined SWAT Team, Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fire District One, EMS, and the Laramie County Emergency Management.

Potential charges against the suspect are being worked through with the District Attorney's Office.

Authority for Release is Lieutenant Gesell.

April 25, 2011

SHERIFF'S OFFICE NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY HAS DROP OFF SITE IN PINE BLUFFS

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30th from 10AM until 2PM in front of Town Hall in Pine Bluffs (220 Main Street). In case of inclement weather the drop off site will move indoors at the Town Hall.

Individuals will be able to drop off their unused prescription and over the counter medications.

In making this announcement, Sheriff Danny Glick stated, "we're pleased to be a part of this nation-wide effort allowing individuals to safely dispose of their unused or unwanted medications. This is a continuation of the effort this Agency began last June to provide a secure location for our citizens to get rid of those items other than in unsecured trash or waste disposal systems".

There are a number of items that will not be accepted. They include needles and sharps, Mercury (such as thermometers), oxygen containers, chemotherapy/radioactive substances, pressurized canisters, nor any illegal drugs.

For further information you may contact Lieutenant Linda Gesell at 633-4735.

Authority for Release is Lt. Gesell at 633-4735

April 15, 2011

SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30th from 10AM until 2PM in front of the main entrance to the Sheriff's Office at 1910 Pioneer Avenue.

Individuals will be able to drop off their unused prescription and over the counter medications.

In making this announcement, Sheriff Danny Glick stated, “we're pleased to be a part of this nation-wide effort allowing individuals to safely dispose of their unused or unwanted medications. This is a continuation of the effort this Agency began last June to provide a secure location for our citizens to get rid of those items other than in unsecured trash or waste disposal systems”.

There are a number of items that will not be accepted. They include needles and sharps, Mercury (such as thermometers), oxygen containers, chemotherapy/radioactive substances, pressurized canisters, nor any illegal drugs.

For further information you may contact Lieutenant Linda Gesell at 633-4735.

Authority for Release is Lt. Gesell at 633-4735.

Date of Release: April 15, 2011.

Cheyenne Resident Arrested in Laramie County Kidnapping and Slashing.

A Cheyenne resident, ANTHONY M. GONZALES, 23 years old, has been arrested in Greeley, Colorado, and will be charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of Kidnapping here in Laramie County in regards to an incident that began on Thursday night (April 14th) at approximately 9PM and ultimately involved multiple locations in south Cheyenne and Weld County, Colorado. Gonzales may also be facing a number of Charges in Colorado as an extension of the incidents here.

Deputies from the Sheriff's Office originally responded to the 600 block of South Greeley Highway on the report of a domestic disturbance. The investigation then took them to the mobile home park at 300 East Prosser and later to a residence at 1500 Avenue C. Witnesses' and victims indicated that Gonzales became angry over a cell phone and an adult female victim with whom he had had a previous relationship. One adult female victim was slashed with a box cutter at the East Prosser residence and a male victim was slashed at the Avenue C residence. Two juveniles were threatened at the point of the box cutter at the East Prosser residence when the female adult got Gonzales to leave that location and take her so that the juveniles would not be harmed.

Once they left, they stopped at T&C Liquors on South Greeley Highway to buy some alcohol. It was at this point that Gonzalez threatened to kill her if she attempted to warn anyone inside the store. The Victim however was able to alert the cashier who then also able to call 911. She stated to him that she would try to get him to drive into town, however, upon departing they drove into Colorado.

Gonzales kept a knife pointed against her side. They got out of the car in Lucerne, Colorado where she was taken into a field and was physically assaulted and then managed to escape from Gonzales and get into the car and return to Cheyenne where she was met by Deputies at the State Line at approximately 11:30PM.

Gonzales was apprehended by Weld County Deputies in Lucerne at approximately 11:30PM after he was seen attempting to wave down cars to get a ride.

The two victims who were slashed refused medical treatment. The names of the victims and witnesses were not released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing in cooperation with the District Attorney's Office and the Weld County, Colorado, Sheriff's Office. It is believed that the incidents began between 8PM and 8:30PM at the 300 East Prosser residence, went to the residence on Avenue C, returned to 300 East Prosser, and then T&C Liquors before concluding in Lucerne.

Gonzales is currently in custody at the Weld County, Colorado (Greeley), Detention Facility pending actions by Weld County Sheriff's Office and extradition procedures back to Laramie County.

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

Date of Release: March 15, 2011

Laramie County Sheriff's Office Arrests One in Sonic Restaurant Robbery.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has arrested JASON A. REDDEST, 20 years old, of Cheyenne, on felony robbery Charges for the January 17th, robbery of the Sonic Restaurant on South Greeley Highway.

Approximately $1,141 was taken in the robbery that occurred at approximately 9:30PM. It is alleged that Reddest entered the restaurant and announced that he was robbing the establishment. He took the money and fled. No weapon was displayed.

The investigation remains ongoing in that the Sheriff's Office is seeking one other individual who may have been an accomplice involved in aiding Reddest in the robbery.

Reddest is in custody at the Laramie County Detention Facility and is pending his initial court appearance.

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

Date of Release: March 15, 2011.

JOINT LAW ENFORCEMENT FUGITIVE TASK FORCE NETS 25 ARRESTS IN WEEK LONG EFFORT.

A joint law enforcement task force sweep during the week of March 7th through the 11th resulted in the arrest of 25 wanted individuals locally and cleared 32 warrants.

Law enforcement officers from the U.S. Marshal's Service, Cheyenne Police, and the Laramie County Sheriff's Office conducted the effort that resulted in the arrests.

16 felony warrants were cleared by arrests that included crimes for assault, probation violations, failure to comply, or other violations. 16 misdemeanor warrants were cleared with arrests of individuals wanted for assault and/or probation violations.

The individuals arrested had been sought for individual or multiple warrants, and all lived within the immediate Cheyenne area.

The combined task force is part of the ongoing effort titled “Operation Falcon”, a national operation, and started locally in 2009 that has teamed law enforcement officers from multiple agencies together to find and arrest wanted individuals from different jurisdictions. This is an operation that has shown itself to be successful both locally and nationally.

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

March 14, 2011

SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATES TWO CAR ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is investigating a two car accident with injuries that occurred approximately 7PM on Sunday Evening. The accident occurred on Dell Range Boulevard just west of Highway 30.

Responding agencies included the Sheriff's Office, AMR ambulance, and Fire District 2.

Initial investigation indicates that a 1992 Dodge Stealth driven by 19 year old Kaye Thiel of Cheyenne was traveling west bound at a high rate of speed on Dell Range when the driver lost control of the vehicle coming down the hill and hitting the gravel on the side of the road and then veered back sharply into the east bound lane causing an impact in the front end of a 2003 BMW with four occupants traveling east bound. The BMW struck the passenger side of the Dodge Stealth with an impact strong enough to stop both vehicles in place. The initial investigation shows that speed was a factor in loss of control of the Dodge Stealth.

Thiel and three individuals from the vehicle that was struck were transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Thiel remains hospitalized while one occupant of the BMW was kept overnight then released on Monday morning from the hospital. Two other occupants were treated and released at the hospital. The driver of the Stealth appears not to have been wearing a seat belt was partially ejected into the back window of the vehicle.

The incident remains under investigation. No citations have been issued at this time pending conclusion of the investigation. It is not known at this time if alcohol or drugs were contributors to the accident.

Date of Release: March 1, 2011

LARAMIE COUNTY FUGITIVE TURNS HIMSELF IN AFTER STORY AIRS ON AMERICA'S MOST WANTED TELEVISION PROGRAM

Wayne Ray Zeller, 49 years of age, of Hillsdale, who has been a fugitive from Laramie County since 2002, turned himself into the Gillette, Wyoming, Police Department on Sunday (February 27th), after the TV program AMERICA'S MOST WANTED aired his story last Saturday night (February 26th).

Zeller failed to appear in court on two counts of 3rd Degree Sexual Assault of a minor child that had been scheduled for June 10, 2002. A warrant was issued for his arrest shortly thereafter. The charges dated back to December, 2001, and involved incidents with minors that occurred between 1998 and 2000.

Initial information indicates that Zeller had been living in Laurel, Montana, recently and working for a tire company that had him traveling through southern Montana and northern Wyoming. Zeller is currently in custody at the Campbell County, Wyoming, Detention facility.

Law Enforcement Agencies that have been involved in investigative issues concerning Zeller have included the Laramie County Sheriff's Office; The U.S. Marshal's Service Fugitive Task Force, Gillette Police Department, Fort Collins, Colorado, Police Department; and the Larimer County, Colorado, Sheriff's Office;

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

Date of Release: February 1, 2011

Laramie County Sheriff's Office Arrests Two More Individuals in Stabbing Incident.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has arrested two more Cheyenne residents, Kevin T. Pino, age 18, and Angela D. Parsons, age 25, as accessories to the Thursday night (January 27th) stabbing of 19 year old Colton McKinnis – also of Cheyenne.

Pino and Parsons are in custody at the Laramie County Detention Facility. Both are being charged with felony Conspiracy to commit Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Robbery.

Follow up investigation determined that they were instrumental in helping 19 year old Andrew Silicani plan to commit an assault and/or robbery on any potential victim that they might find while cruising in their vehicle.

The investigation into the stabbing and robbery remains ongoing as several other individuals have been identified as possible persons of interest in the case.

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach

January 30, 2011.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE ARRESTS ONE IN THURSDAY NIGHT STABBING AND ROBBERY.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has arrested one suspect in the Thursday night stabbing and robbery of a 19 year old Cheyenne man.

The Sheriff's Office has arrested 19 year old Andrew Silicani who recently moved to Cheyenne from California. Silicani was arrested Saturday morning. Silicani is accused of the stabbing and robbery of 19 year old Colton McKinnis of Cheyenne last Thursday night in the 300 block of West College around 10PM. McKinnis was treated at Cheyenne Regional Medical and has been released.

The arrest was made after Detectives found a cell phone left at the scene and were able to trace it back to the suspect and follow on interviews with other individuals suspected of being related to the incident. The Sheriff's Office is continuing the investigation and has identified four other individuals suspected of having been involved in the incident and/or were in the suspect vehicle.

Some of the victim's property has been recovered, as well as a knife suspected of being the one used in the stabbing. The knife is being turned over to the State Crime Lab for analysis.

Silicani is being charged with felony Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon. Investigators are working with the District Attorney's Office determine if additional charges may be added.

Authority for release is Sergeant Hollenbach

Date of Release: January 28, 2011

LARAMIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING STABBING AND ROBBERY ON WEST COLLEGE AVENUE.

Deputies from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office are investigating the stabbing and robbery of a 20 year old Cheyenne resident in the 300 block of West College Avenue.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:00PM on Thursday night. The male victim who is reported as being in stable condition is still at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center after being transported from the scene of the incident.

Deputies investigating the case indicated that the victim stated he had been returning from visiting his girlfriend and was on rollerblades in the 300 block of West College Avenue when two unidentified white males exited a white mid size SUV type of vehicle (Vehicle make and plates unknown at this time) and attacked him. The victim was stabbed repeatedly in numerous locations on the body both front and back and was robbed of a number of personal items to include his wallet.

The incident remains under investigation.

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who might have any information, or may have seen the possible suspects and or the possible suspect vehicle in the area – or anything suspicious in that area that may be related to this stabbing and robbery – are asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 633-4775. Individuals can also contact Silent Witness / Crimestoppers at 638-TIPS / 638-8477 where they can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach.

January 20, 2011

TEXT MESSAGE ATTRIBUTED TO SHERIFF'S OFFICE NOT ISSUED BY LARAMIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has received phone calls from the public, and copies of false text messages, reported to be from this Sheriff's Office. It states that it originated with this Agency, in regards to warning the public about a gang tactic to lure females into picking up a crying child on the street or other public place and deliver them to a specific location where the female is then sexually assaulted.

This text message was not issued by the Laramie County Sheriff's Office. It also stated that Fox News and CNN were sources of the information. Neither of those news agencies was contacted, nor did this Office receive any contact from them in regards to this circumstance.

To this date the Sheriff's Office has not had any reports of any sexual assaults occurring under the circumstances in the text message, nor any substantiated information regarding overt high profile MS13 criminal gang activity within the County.

Additionally the Laramie County Sheriff's Office does not use text messages to provide information to the public. The media and the Office's Web Site (www.lcsd.net) are the primary sources that will be used to advise the public of safety issues and concerns.

As always the Sheriff's Office advises members of the public to be aware of their environment, and to report any suspicious activities immediately to local law enforcement. Anyone with questions can call the Sheriff's Office at (307) 633-4700 for additional information.

Authority for release is Captain Hillegas

January 10, 2011

E-mail Claiming to Be From the FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. The subject line of the e-mails state: "Account Insurance from FDIC" or "FDIC Insurance." The e-mail tells recipients that their "account has been denied insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation due to suspected violations of the Patriot Act." The e-mail goes on to ask recipients to "verify through our IDVerify below," stating that ".information will be checked against a federal government database for identity verification." The e-mail says that it is from "Donald E. Powell, Chairman Emeritus FDIC; John D. Hawke, Jr., Comptroller of the Currency; and Michael E. Bartell, Chief Information Officer."

This e-mail and associated Web site are fraudulent. Recipients should consider the intent of this e-mail as an attempt to collect personal or confidential information, or to load malicious software onto end users' computers and should not click on the link provided.

The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT follow the link in the fraudulent e-mail.

Date of Release: January 7, 2011

Laramie County Sheriff's Office Arrests Cheyenne Man for Charges Related to Domestic Disturbance.

Working on information initially provided by the Cheyenne Police Department and the victim, The Laramie County Sheriff's Office arrested 25 year old Scott T. Kritzmire of Cheyenne, on charges of false imprisonment and felony aggravated assault and battery with a weapon in regards to an incident that occurred Wednesday night, January 5th, at 1307 Ashford Drive, south of Cheyenne.

Responding Deputies met with the female victim who stated that Kritzmire had showed up at their residence and allegedly knocked her to the floor, handcuffed her and kicked her. During the course of the incident it was also reported that Kritzmire pointed a handgun at her and threatened her. Kritzmire then accompanied the victim to the victim's parent's home inside the city to drop of their infant with the victim's parents. The victim was unable to alert her parents of the situation due to fear of Kritzmire having a handgun with him. Kritzmire took the victim back to the Ashford residence and left her there.

Deputies served the arrest warrant from the District Attorney's Office on Friday (January 7th).

Kritzmire is a Police Officer with the Cheyenne Police Department.

Authority for Release is Lieutenant Gesell