Sheriffs' Office - Incident Reports

May 15, 2013

PLANE CRASHES WEST OF PINE BLUFFS AIRPORT.

Emergency responders from Laramie County and Pine Bluffs responded to the report of an airplane crash approximately a mile and a half west of the runway at the Pine Bluffs Airport on Wednesday morning at approximately 1145.

Upon arrival it was determined that a Cessna 188 (a Crop Duster, an “Aggie Husky”) had crashed landed in a field after what the pilot described as losing lift at 2200 feet. He was able to land the aircraft in the field but struck a fence causing very extensive damage to the aircraft operated by Circle S Aviation. The pilot, Mark Nardin, of Emigrant, Montana, was not injured and was able to walk away from the crash. Nardin, a contract pilot for Circle S Aviation, had been practicing touch and go landings at the Pine Bluffs Airport.

The crash occurred about a half mile west of County Road 159 and north of I-80.

The incident has been referred to the FAA for further investigation. Initial responding agencies included the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, Fire District 5, and the Pine Bluffs Ambulance.

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

March 26, 2013

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING MAN NORTH OF CHEYENNE

The Laramie County Sheriff's Department in conjunction with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fire District 2, and Life Flight, has been searching for an individual reported as originally missing in the area from Horse Creek Road, west of I-25 as well as the area up to Nimmo Road since the early morning hours of March 26th (Tuesday).

The incident began when a 911 call was received from a female at approximately 2:30 AM, stating that she and a male companion were lost somewhere north of Cheyenne and that she had become separated from the male. She stated that she'd met an acquaintance earlier in the evening and he agreed to drive her up to Casper – leaving around 12:30 AM. During the trip they became disoriented and ended up in the County. She stated that the vehicle (described as an older orange Ford Explorer or Expedition) broke down. She then stated that she left to seek help and became separated from the male companion.

Using the Life Flight helicopter and individuals on the ground, she was located near Telephone Pole Road and Ridley Road at approximately 6:30 AM. She was transported by Life Flight to Cheyenne Regional Hospital where she was treated for exposure and later released. The female, 25 year old Magen Stuart, is a Cheyenne resident.

The male is described as a white male in his 30's, with some facial hair, a brown jacket, red bandana, and a stocking mask that could be pulled down like a ski mask. Stuart would not provide the name of the male companion to law enforcement officials, saying only that it may have been one of two individuals, “Jesse” or “Greg”.

Residents in the general area were also notified of the search effort and asked to be on the alert if someone with a provided description might be on their property.

If anyone has any information relating to seeing this missing person, or has any knowledge about the incident, or, who “Jesse” or “Greg” may be, is encouraged to call the Laramie County Sheriff's Department at (307) 633-4775.

Although the search has been suspended, 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 Captain Gesell.

Date of Release: February 5, 2013.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARRESTS MAN FOR ASSAULT AND IMPERSONATING A DEPUTY SHERIFF.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Department has arrested a man claiming various Cheyenne and out of State addresses with assault and impersonating a Laramie County Sheriff's Department Deputy. The individual, Jeremy David Stewart, age 28, was arrested late Tuesday afternoon after numerous calls were received regarding two incidents on Saturday (February 2nd) and Sunday (February 3rd), at the Cheyenne Wal-Mart, and a local church. Other calls regarding Stewart claiming to be a Deputy to other individuals in the community were also received at the Sheriff's Department.

The investigation into the allegations began after Stewart was contacted by an off duty Law Enforcement Officer who noticed Stewart at the Cheyenne Hills Church on Sunday, wearing an empty holster and claiming to be a Deputy, in the area where children were located. After stating he was looking for information on some relatives he left before the Officer could verify his identity.

It was also reported that Stewart was at the Cheyenne Wal-Mart, on Saturday, February 2nd, where he got into an altercation with a local Cheyenne man and grabbed him by the throat – claiming to be a Deputy and showing a generic Department business card to him. Upon leaving the Wal-Mart store he again got into another altercation in the parking lot with another individual – once again displaying the business card and claiming to be a Deputy.

The Sheriff's Department also received calls from individuals in the community who stated that Stewart told them he was a Deputy Sheriff.

Stewart has been arrested for two counts of Impersonating a Police Officer and an assault charge. He has been scheduled to appear in Circuit Court at a later date.

The Sheriff's Department is also asking anyone who may have any additional information or had any contact with Stewart (while claiming to be a Deputy) – or the van with 3 County Montana Plates that Stewart has been seen in (Photo attached), are encouraged to call the Laramie County Sheriff's Department at (307) 633-4775.

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 Lieutenant Gesell.

December 12, 2012.

SECOND PERSON ARRESTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6TH FATAL SHOOTING AND STABBING INCIDENT.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has arrested 22 year old Cameron Scott of Cheyenne in conjunction with the fatal shooting and stabbing incident that occurred at 212 Tyler Place, #30, on Thursday evening, December 6th.

Scott was arrested late Wednesday afternoon and is being charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He remains in custody in the Laramie County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility pending his initial court appearance.

The ongoing investigation by the Sheriff's Department indicates that Scott did stab 28 year old Brian Sears (who lives at 212 Tyler Place, #30 and is being charged with attempted homicide in this incident) prior to fleeing the residence located in the south side of Cheyenne. It also appears that the altercation began over a drug deal involving marijuana.

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

December 10, 2012.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARRESTS ONE IN THURSDAY FATAL SHOOTING.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Department has arrested Brian M. Sears, 28 years old, of Cheyenne, for Second Degree Homicide and attempted homicide in the Thursday evening (December 6th) fatal shooting at 212 Tyler Place #30.

Sears was arrested on Sunday (December 9th) following his release from the hospital.

He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court Monday morning.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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

Authority for Release is Lieutenant Linda Gesell.

December 8, 2012

UPDATE TO THURSDAY SHOOTING / STABBING IN SOUTH CHEYENNE

The Laramie County Sheriff's Department has identified the individuals involved in Thursday evenings (December 6th) shooting and stabbing at 212 Tyler Place, #30.

Deceased in the incident was 22 year old Conner Tarr of Cheyenne who received a fatal gunshot wound. Stabbed was 28 year old Brian Sears who remains hospitalized at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, and, was the person who resided at 212 Tyler, #30. Also involved in the incident was 22 year old Cameron Scott of Cheyenne.

It appears at this time that the fatal incident may have involved a marijuana deal after Scott and Tarr arrived at Sears' residence. Details behind the motivation and sequence of events resulting in the shooting and stabbing are still under investigation.

The Sheriff's Department is working with the District Attorney's Office in the investigation and anticipated charges concerning the events that occurred Thursday evening.

No one has been arrested at this time as one person remains hospitalized and the other has been cooperating with law enforcement. 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.

ONE PERSON DECEASED AND ONE WOUNDED IN SHOOTING AND STABBING INCIDENT

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office responding to 212 Tyler Place, #30, at approximately 10:36PM (Thursday evening, December 6th) located two victims -- one with a gunshot wound, and one with stab wounds after receiving reports of a possible shooting at that location earlier in the evening.

Upon arrival it was determined that one person had been shot and one person had been stabbed. Both were transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for treatment of their wounds. The 22 year old shooting victim, a Cheyenne resident, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The initial investigation determined that three individuals were at the mobile home when the incident occurred.

A third individual had also been involved and had fled the site. His vehicle was fired upon and sustained multiple gunshots to the windshield, car body, and rear window. This individual went to his residence at which time the incident was reported to 911. This individual was not struck by any of the bullets fired at him in the vehicle. All three individuals involved are Cheyenne residents, and had been at the mobile home for a time prior to the incident. The motive for the shooting and stabbing has not been determined at this time and the investigation remains ongoing. The suspected weapons (a handgun and a knife) were recovered at the scene and will be processed for forensics.

The name of the shooting victim is being withheld pending notification of relatives, and the names of the other two individuals are being withheld at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

No individuals have been taken into custody at the time of this initial news release.

Other responding agencies included Fire District 1 and AMR.

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

Authority for Release is Sergeant Hollenbach .

Date of Release: December 7, 2012.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING HOME INVASION AND BEATING OF CHEYENNE MAN

The Laramie County Sheriff's Department is investigating the beating of a Cheyenne man who reported a home invasion, beating, and abduction.

Deputies responded to 3201 South Greeley Highway, #26, on the reports of a home invasion and beating of 41 year old Roger Bartram of Cheyenne, and, to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center to interview the victim. The incident report was relayed to the Sheriff's Department at approximately 7:40PM on Thursday evening, December 6th). The victim indicated that the incident had taken place sometime earlier.

Bartram stated that he was at his residence with another individual when three persons dressed in black with ski masks barged into his mobile home and beat him on the head and face with a number of kitchen objects. The suspects then took him from the residence and transported him to Clear Creek Park where he was beaten again. The victim could not provide any possible motives for the attack.

The victim could only provide a description of the suspects as two of them being above average height and one short person. He also stated he could not provide a description of the vehicle.

Cheyenne Police Department had received the call on Bartram at about 6:08 PM and located him in the vicinity of North American Drive and Southwest Drive. He was transported to CRMC by AMR.

At the time of this release, the victim was still hospitalized at CRMC. The investigation remains ongoing.

A search of the residence during the initial investigation did result in the discovery of a number of kitchen utensils that could have been used in the assault. They will be sent to the State Crime Lab for examination.

If anyone may have any information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to call the Laramie County Sheriff's Office at (307) 633-4726, or, Silent Witness at (307) 638-TIPS (633-8477), where you can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

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

Authority for Release is Lieutenant Hollingshead

Date of Release: August 7, 2012

SHERIFF'S OFFICE ASKING ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING MISSING MAN.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in locating a missing Cheyenne man.

43 year old Austin James, who may also be known by the name of Brian Boile, was last seen on Monday, July 30th at approximately 3PM. He is described as being 6'2” tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He may be driving a 2002 Toyota RAV4, silver in color, and having the license plates of Wyoming 2-86457.

Authorities also state that James may be a possible harm to himself.

If anyone has seen Austin James, or may know anything about his possible whereabouts are asked to call the Laramie County Sheriff's Office at (307) 633-4735.

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

Authority for Release is Lieutenant Gesell.

July 18, 2012

EXPLOSION DESTROYS TRAILER

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is investigating an early morning explosion that destroyed a trailer home on the south side of Cheyenne.

Emergency Responders from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, Cheyenne Fire Department, Fire District's #1 and #2, as well as AMR, were summoned to 1901 Avenue B-6, Space #4 at approximately 3AM (Wednesday morning, July 18th) on a report of an explosion. Cheyenne Light Fuel and Power also assisted.

The residence, which was unoccupied at the time, was a total loss. It had been purchased recently and was undergoing renovation. There was no power or gas to the home at the time of the explosion.

The Sheriff's Office Arson Investigation Team is conducting the initial and ongoing investigation. The K9 Arson Dog from the Rawlins Fire Department has been requested to assist with the initial investigation. The cause of the explosion has not been determined at this time.

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

July 10, 2012

EMERGENCY RESPONDER'S DISPATCHED TO PLANE CRASH WEST OF CHEYENNE.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office with six other Emergency Response Agencies were dispatched to the site of a reported airplane crash early Tuesday morning at approximately Mile Marker 12 on Happy Jack Road.

The crash was reported about 7:19AM. A small plane contracted by Laramie County for mosquito control crashed near the location of Happy Jack Road and Boundary Road, and approximately 1 mile to the north on Boundary Road.

Initial investigation indicted that the plane hit a power line and crashed into a field. The pilot, 38 year old Michael Childress, of Nortonville, Kansas, was able to walk away from the crash with burns to his upper body. He was life flighted to the Northern Colorado burn Center in Greeley for treatment.

The aircraft, a Cessna 188, owned by Circle S Aviation in Pine Bluffs, was a total loss due to the crash and fire. No other structures or acreage were damaged by the crash other than the Power Lines.

Responding Agencies included Fire Districts 8 and 10, Warren Air Force Base Fire Department, the Wyoming Air National Guard Fire Department, and AMR. The FAA was also contacted for follow up investigation.

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

Authority for Release is Captain Hillegas at (307) 633-4712

Con Artists Posing as DEA Agents.

Prescription Drug Scam

Sheriff Glick would like to make Laramie County residents aware of the following Prescription Drug Scam. Several Sweetwater County residents who purchased prescription medication by phone or over the Internet, have received calls from imposters claiming to be agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and then continue to threaten arrest if a fine is not paid.

The caller most often instructs prospective victims to pay the bogus fine via wire transfer. Victims are often told their homes will be searched if they do not pay the fine. These fraudulent calls appear to be originating from overseas. Officials say the criminals involved in the scheme use special phone scramblers which make the calls appear to originate in the United States.

Anyone who receives a telephone call from a person claiming to be a federal agent or other law enforcement officer seeking money to pay a drug fine should refuse to do so and contact a special DEA hot line at 1-877-792-2873 to report the call. Source: The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation's Southwest Enforcement Team.

June 19, 2012

COMBINED BOMB TEAM RESPONDS TO POSSIBLE EXPLOSIVE DEVICE.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office and Cheyenne Police Department Combined Bomb (EOD) Team responded Tuesday morning at approximately 10:00AM to a site in the 2500 Block of South Greeley Highway to the report of an improvised explosive device.

The location is at the intersection of South Greeley Highway and Artesian Road.

A citizen waiting to ride the bus noticed a device described as a 15” PVC pipe with wires at one end and duct tape underneath the bench and partially hidden under a discarded blanket.

The combined EOD (Explosives) Team responded and was able to move the devise to an area on Artesian Road that was open and away from residences. Upon inspection it was determined the item was not an explosive device and contained within the PVC Tube was the skeleton of a small lizard.

For safety reasons, South Greeley Highway was shut down twice for short periods of time and no evacuations were conducted. This allowed for initial inspection of the potential device and movement to a safer location.

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

May 30, 2012

INDIVIDUAL STRUCK BY TRUCK IN A HIT AND RUN TRANSPORTED TO CRMC.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is investigating a hit and run that occurred at approximately 2:26PM Wednesday afternoon in the vicinity of Beckle, Reese, and Ashley Roads just east of Cheyenne.

The victim was struck by what is described as a green model pick up truck (year unknown) that may have damage on the front driver side of the vehicle. The driver was described as being an older balding white male.

The victim is a 23 year old female from Nevada who was part of a sales group in that area. She was transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center where it appears that she may have a broken leg. The victim is still being assessed for any other potential injuries.

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who may have been in the area and may have seen the incident or a vehicle fitting that description in the area to contact the Sheriff's Office at (307) 633-4725, or you can contact the Cheyenne Silent Witness / Crimestoppers at (307) 638-TIPS (8477) where you can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

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 Gesell

Date of Release: May 22, 2012

Sheriff Danny Glick would to share with the residents of Laramie County the following information received from the Sidney Nebraska Police Department.

The website does not list a physical address other than Sidney, NE 69162 with what appears to be an embedded Google Map with their physical location, which in reality is an open field north of Sidney.

Preliminary investigation indicates that www.uvehicles.net is a fraudulent website. The domain is registered to a PO Box in California and was created on 03/16/2012 and is only valid for one year. Additionally some of the elements used on the website (photographs of their “Staff”) have been confirmed as being copied from a legitimate website to give the appearance of legitimacy. The only method of contacting www.uvehicles.net is via email or a Contact Us form on the website.

Once a potential victim makes an inquiry about purchasing a vehicle, they are instructed to complete a Western Union Money in Minutes transfer for a percentage of the purchase price of the vehicle and are provided a Receiver Name and Address (One potential victim was given an address in Ossining, NY). The potential victims are also instructed to email the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) or a scanned copy of the Western Union receipt to the company and are told the balance of the purchase price is to be paid upon delivery of the vehicle.

The Sidney Police Department has not been contacted by any actual victims who have lost money in this scam. However the number of calls we have received from people who have become suspicious prior to completing any transactions, indicates that there is a high likelihood that others have fallen for this scam.

All information has been forwarded to the FBI as well.

Sidney NE Police Department

Auth/Mike Brown – Chief of Police

Date of Release: May 16, 2012

SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO RECOGNIZE DEPUTIES and EMPLOYEES AT AWARDS CEREMONY

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office will be recognizing a number of Deputies for valor and lifesaving at an Awards Ceremony on FRIDAY, MAY 18th at 11:00AM (in the Training Room of the Sheriff's Office – 1910 Pioneer Avenue).

Awards for Distinguished Service, Meritorious Service, Lifesaving, and a Purple Heart to Deputy Chance Walkama who was wounded in a recent hotel shooting incident are among the awards to be presented. Additionally other staff is being recognized for longevity from 5 to 25 years of service and other notable community service to the Department and the County.

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

Authority for Release is Captain Hillegas

May 4, 2012

SHERIFF'S OFFICE RECEIVES INITIAL TEST RESULTS FROM UNKNOWN SCHOOL SUBSTANCE INJESTED BY CHILDREN AT AFFLERBACH SCHOOL.

The State Crime Lab has provided the initial test results from the unknown liquid substance given to twenty four children at Afflerbach School on Thursday (May 3rd).

The results indicate that the substance that was brought on to school property by a student from the school appears to be a highly concentrated flavoring agent used in making candy. No controlled or illegal substances or poisons were detected by the testing. More detailed analysis continues to determine all the components of the liquids.

Additionally, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office is still completing its investigation into the incident.

Twenty Four children were affected and showed symptoms such as upset stomachs. Medical responders and the school nurse provided initial assistance to the children. None were transported for any additional medical treatment and all but one child returned to school on Friday.

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

Authority for Release is Lieutenant Gesell at (307) 633-4725.

May 3, 2012

TWENTY-FOUR CHILDREN AT AFFLERBACH SCHOOL INJEST UNKNOWN SUBTANCE BROUGHT ONTO THE SCHOOL PROPERTY.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office assisting AMR and Fire District one responded to Afflerbach School on Thursday a little after 2PM on the report from school staff that some of the children had injested an unknown substance brought onto the school property by another juvenile from the school and possibly a sibling from a near by middle school. In all, twenty – four children were assessed by medical personnel from AMR and the school nurse after showing some symptoms of upset stomachs after taking some of the unidentified liquid.

No children were transported to any medical facilities at this time and the unknown liquid was transported to the State Crime lab for analysis by Deputies from the Sheriff's Office. Initial investigation indicates that the substance may be a concentrated food coloring with high sugar content.

The parents of the affected children were contacted and came to the school for briefings by school staff and medical response personnel.

This incident remains under investigation pending results from the State Crime Lab and on-going interviews.

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 Captain Hillegas

Date of Release: April 30, 2012

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY BRINGS IN 320 POUNDS OF DRUGS

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office took in a record 320 pounds of unused and unwanted prescription drugs this last Saturday, April 28th. The purpose of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was to allow citizens to safely dispose of unused or unneeded prescription drugs in an environmentally safe manner and keep those drugs out of the hands of unauthorized persons or juveniles.

The Sheriff's Office had three drop off sites – two in the Cheyenne area and one in Burns.

This is the 3rd year that the Sheriff's Office has participated in this program. The First year over 90 pounds of prescription drugs were taken in, and last year over 120 pounds were turned in. Participation this year came close to tripling last year's event.

Drugs that were received ranged from over the counter drugs to narcotic prescription pills and liquids.

Point of Contact for further information regarding this release for the Laramie County Sheriff's Office is Gerry Luce (307) 633-4725 or Lieutenant Linda Gesell at (307) 633-4735.

Date of Release: April 25, 2012

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 28th. The purpose of this event is to allow citizens to safely dispose of unused or unneeded prescription drugs in an environmentally safe manner. It also allows individuals to dispose of prescription drugs while keeping them out of the hands of unauthorized persons or juveniles.

The Sheriff's Office will have three drop off sites that will be operated from 10AM until 2PM on Saturday. These sites are: Town & Country Pharmacy at 514 South Greeley Highway; Fire District #2 at 5800 North College Drive; and, Burns Town Hall, 327 S. Main Street, in Burns. In case of inclement weather there will be drop off points inside each location.

This is the 3rd year that the Sheriff's Office has participated in this program. The First year over 90 pounds of prescription drugs were taken in, and last year over 120 pounds were turned in.

Illegal drugs will not be accepted at any of the three sites. If you have any further questions you can contact Lieutenant Linda Gesell at (307) 633-4735.

Point of Contact for further information regarding this release for the Laramie County Sheriff's Office is Gerry Luce (307) 633-4725 or Lieutenant Linda Gesell at (307) 633-4735.

April 7, 2012

SHERIFF'S OFFICE RESPONDS TO SCENE OF FATAL SHOOTING OF JUVENILE VICTIM.

At approximately 6:51PM on Saturday evening (April 7) Deputies from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of 311 South Greeley on the report that an individual had been shot.

Upon arrival Deputies were assisted by citizens and another juvenile in locating a juvenile victim in the field behind 311 South Greeley Highway.

The victim, a male juvenile aged 8 was found in the field with what appears to be a single gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was dead at the scene.

The victim's companion, another juvenile approximately the same age, led Deputies to a site approximately 30 yards away from the victim (in the same field) where a .25 caliber handgun was recovered.

The investigation is ongoing at this time to determine the cause of the shooting. The names of the juvenile victim, nor the companion, are being released at this time. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine actual cause of death.

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

Authority for Release is Lieutenant Linda Gesell.

March 24, 2012

FOUND PROPERTY REPORT RESULTS IN RECOVERY OF “ONE BAG” METH LAB.

A Cheyenne resident on her way to work who recovered a discarded back pack near the intersection of North College and Storey Boulevard ended up discovering a “One Bag” portable meth lab.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office received the call of found property Friday evening at approximately 5:15PM and responded to Outlaw Liquors near the intersection of Highway 30 and Pershing Boulevard. Upon arrival the Deputy inspected the bag and found that bag was in fact an active portable meth lab. The bag was located in the bed of the reporting party's truck and at no time was in the liquor store.

Called in to assist with the hazardous material was the HazMat teams from the Cheyenne Fire Department and Wyoming DCI, as well as agents from DCI and DEA. The bag was turned over to DCI for further lab analysis at the Crime Lab.

Initial investigation appears to indicate that the bag may have belonged to a possible female transient with ties to the state of Missouri. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

Authority for Release is Sgt. Burch

Date of Release: March 1, 2012

FATAL TRAILER FIRE DETERMINED TO BE MURDER-SUICIDE.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office investigation into the deaths of 34 year old Erica Delgado and 11 year old Miriam Ortiz has been determined to be a murder-suicide. Both were found in a burning trailer at 3008 Terry Road, Space #17, during the early morning hours of Friday, February 3rd.

The body of Delgado was found near the front door of the trailer and Ortiz was found in a bedroom. Cause of death for both was due to smoke inhalation and burns.

A number of gas cans were located inside the trailer as well as alcohol bottles near Delgado's body. Toxicology indicated a .163 blood alcohol level in Delgado.

The investigation showed multiple origin points that included kitchen, living room, and the bedroom doorway where Ortiz was located, as well as a back bedroom, and the main entrance door. The fire origin points were also such that it would make it difficult for anyone to enter or leave the trailer. All the doors were locked from the inside and no personal property had been destroyed or taken from the location. Three propane type lighters were also located near Delgado.

Security videos from a local convenience store showed Delgado purchasing gasoline in gas cans that appear to be the same as those found inside the trailer. The investigation also revealed text messages sent to acquaintances the previous two days prior to the fire that indicated the possibility of suicide.

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

Authority for Release is Sheriff Glick.

February 28, 2012

SHERIFF'S OFFICE SEEING UPSWING IN AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT AND SCRAP METAL THEFT.

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is seeing an upswing in thefts of agricultural equipment and scrap metal items in the rural areas of the county.

The items taken indicate that the thieves put some planning into stealing the property as some of the may have required multiple trips and heavy equipment to move the stolen materials.

Recent reported thefts have included three antique International Harvester Tractors, a 500 gallon propane tank, pipe iron, 18 rolls of copper wire (each 1½ miles in length, and John Deere farming implements (Discs, field choppers and a grain drill). Also reported stolen recently have been gates, panels, feed racks, and a large amount of scrap iron. Some of these thefts have exceeded $20,000 in value.

One thing in common has been that fact that these items were all located in remote areas away from farm and ranch residences. Currently the majority of the reports have been in the Burns area.

The Sheriff's Office is recommending that farmers and ranchers frequently check their implements, or consider placing a remote camera around their valuable equipment and other items. Also recommended is that any suspicious vehicles or individuals be reported immediately to the Sheriff's Office.

Additionally, anyone who may have knowledge of any of these thefts is encouraged to contact the Laramie County Sheriff's Office or Silent Witness at (307) 638-TIPS (633-8477) where you can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

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

Authority for Release is Sergeant Bill Thomas.

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 OFFICE 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 Office 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 Office (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 Office 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 Office 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 Office (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 Office 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 Office 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 Office (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 Office 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 Office 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