Sheriffs' Office - Incident Reports
NEWS RELEASE
DATE OF RELEASE: 01/05/2012
TELEPHONE FRAUD INVOLVING JURY DUTY.
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Department 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
 
December 16, 2011
SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND POLICE ARREST TWO IN SHOOTING INCIDENT AND BURGLARIES.
The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has arrested DANY D. ORANTES-MARTINEZ, age 23, of Cheyenne, and MARCOS MENDEZ-VEGA, age 20, of Greeley, on charges of Aggravated Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery, in relation to the shooting and burglary at 420 West College, #9, on November 30th. They also face similar charges through the Cheyenne Police Department in regards to an Aggravated Robbery and assault in the City of Cheyenne (that had taken place just prior to the 9:20 PM incident) at 1917 East 15th Street on the same date.
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.
December 5, 2011
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARRESTS TWO IN MULITPLE BURGLARIES AND PROPERTY RECOVERY
The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has arrested two Cheyenne residents for a number of burglaries in the Cheyenne area.
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.
Robinson is currently in custody at the Laramie County Sheriff's Department Detention Facility and scheduled make his initial appearance in court today.
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
January 7, 2011
LARAMIE COUNTY DEPUTY BITTEN BY ESCAPED DOGS.
A Deputy from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office was bit by one of three large dogs who had escaped from their owner in the alley of the 500 block between Persons and Fox Farm Road.
Approximately 3PM on Friday Deputies responded to the alley location south of Cheyenne where it was reported that three large dogs had escaped and attacked another dog in the neighborhood.
While helping the owner of the three dogs, two Rottweilers and a Bull Mastiff, regain control of them, one of the Rottweilers pulled Deputy Michael Poteet to the ground and bit him on the arm. The dogs had also inflicted bites to the reporting party's medium sized mix breed dog.
Two of the dogs were returned to the owner, the dog inflicting the bites is being quarantined by Animal Control since the dogs did not have current rabies shots.
The owner of the dogs, Nicole Cordova, 518 Fox Farm Road, was cited by Animal Control for Dogs at Large and Dogs with no Current Rabies Shots.
AMR treated Deputy Poteet on scene, and he returned to duty.
Date of Release: January 4, 2011.
LARAMIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING ROBBERY OF INDIVIDUAL IN BANK PARKING LOT
Deputies from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office are investigating reported robbery of an individual in the parking lot of the Wells Fargo Bank on East Pershing. The bank itself was not robbed, nor was it entered by the suspect.
Initial investigation indicated that at approx 2:25PM the male victim exited his vehicle to enter the bank with a cash deposit bag from the Loaf N' Jug on Mountain and Dell Range. The victim turned around to retrieve an item from the passenger seat of his vehicle when the suspect grabbed the money bag from the victim's hands and ran southbound across Pershing Avenue behind the Taco John's and former Western Auction Building (on the east side of Ridge Road) and into the residential area. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken in the money bag.
The suspect is described as white male, approximately 6'1” and 140 pounds who was wearing dark clothes, sun glasses, and a dark stocking hat. No weapon was displayed or seen.
The incident remains under investigation.
The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who might have any information, or may have seen the suspect running on Pershing or anything suspicious in that area that may be related to this robbery, to contact the Sheriff's Office at 633-4735. 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 Lieutenant Gesell.
DATE OF RELEASE: 12/01/2010
TYPE OF INCIDENT: SCAM
The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is providing a warning to the public about an ongoing telephone scam from an 876 area code.
Area code 876 is the local telephone area code of Jamaica, be wary of receiving telephone calls from this particular area code as we have received reports of these subjects attempting to acquire monetary funds from you, stating that they are needed to secure or pay taxes on prize money that you have won (similar to "Nigerian Scam").
Remember that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
RELEASE AUTHORIZED BY: Captain Rich Hillegas.
NEWS RELEASE
******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******
Date of Release: November 19, 2010
Laramie County Sheriff's Office Providing Information on New Scam in the Area.
The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has received information from several members of the public in regards to another scam that citizens have been receiving within the past week.
The scam works in this fashion: An individual is being contacted by a person who may identify himself as a Mr. Foster (or other name). To this point caller ID's have shown the call is from Jamaica. The victim is informed that they have won $100,000 and a new Chrysler 300 in a lottery. That person is then asked to wire $250.00 by Western Union to cover the necessary fees before receiving the prize, and, told that the Western Union receipt will act as proof of payment of fees when the prizes arrive.
In the cases reported, the individuals informed the caller that they did not participate in a lottery. However, one of the twists of this scam is that the caller is persistent in stating to the intended victim that they did participate (although not true) and that it could have been as long as “two years ago”. The other aspect is that the intended victims are receiving persistent call backs even after the recipient hung up on him.
Remember that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. In cases like this, victims have wired the money and never received any prizes.
If you receive this type of call you are encouraged to report it to the Wyoming Attorney General's Office, Consumer Affairs Division, at (307) 777-7874, or your local enforcement agency.
NEWS RELEASE
******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******
As of 5pm on Tuesday November 16, 2010, the Laramie County Commissioners have approved rescinding the partial burn ban imposed on October 5, 2010 for Laramie County.
Laramie County Residents
As you know, the majority of Laramie County is “high plains grassland”. Due to the limited moisture we receive in the county, grass fires are a danger throughout the year. All residents can take prevention measures to reduce the possibility of an out-of-control grass or other wildland fire by following these prevention steps:
1. Keep all dead grass and vegetation cleared from within 3 feet of your house and structures.
2. Keep all other dry grass within 30 feet of your house and structures mowed short.
3. Keep firewood stacked at least 30 feet from your house and structures.
4. Keep grass/brush cut and cleared in an area at least 15 feet around your LPG tank.
Burning Trash and Refuse:
1. If at all possible, select alternate methods of disposal, such as a solid waste or recycling facility.
2. If you choose to conduct an open or controlled burn, please take the following precautions:
a. Utilize a cover over the burn container consisting of heavy mesh screen with no larger than ¼” openings.
b. Clear the area around the burn container to a radius of at least 10 feet.
c. Have an extinguishing media readily available, such as a fire extinguisher or water hose. Keep a rake and shovel in the area to help control the fire.
d. If burning on the ground, keep the burn pile small and under control at all times. The larger the burn pile is, more area will need to be cleared to prevent radiant heat and sparks from igniting the surrounding area.
e. NEVER BURN ANYTHING WHEN WINDY CONDITIONS ARE PRESENT. Check the weather forecast for the day, and do not burn if weather fronts are expected in the area, or if the relative humidity is 30% or less. A hot, dry and windy day is the worst time to attempt burning. Temperatures usually drop and the relative humidity usually rises in the evening through early morning.
f. Always call the non-emergency number for the 911 Center 637-6410 to report a control burn before you start and when you are done.
g. Always monitor the fire and the weather. Fires must be attended at all times. Make sure the fire is out before you leave it.
h. Contact your local Fire District for assistance if you have a special situation or need your area evaluated before conducting a burn.
3. The Air Quality Division of the Wyoming DEQ has additional rules (Smoke Management) pertaining to open burning. A permit may be required for some situations, and they may be contacted at 777-7391. Trash and refuse burning is not allowed if a nearby residence is within 500 feet of the “burn barrel” and the smoke will travel toward said residence.
In addition, the DEQ prohibits burning of trade wastes. “Trade wastes shall mean solid, liquid, or gaseous material resulting from construction or the prosecution of any business, trade or industry, or any demolition operation included but not limited to wood, plastics, cartons, grease, oil, chemicals and cinders and excluding vegetative material and refuse”.
NEWS RELEASE
******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******
Date of Release: November 12, 2010
LARAMIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING MULITPLE TIRE SLASHINGS IN BURNS.
Deputies from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office are investigating thirty tire slashings that took place in and around the community of Burns during the early morning hours of November 11th.
Initial investigation indicated that four vehicles from the school district were among those vandalized. Additionally one victim's vehicle had the brake lines cut and another had lug nuts loosened and/or removed from their vehicle.
It appears that the vandalism took place between 12:30AM and 4:30AM and included vehicles around the entire community as well as vehicles on West Miltrose Road.
The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who might have any information 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 Hollingshead.
CHEYENNE / LARAMIE COUNTY
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Emergency Management Fire Warden
Rob Cleveland, Director. Bill McHenry, Deputy Director
As of 5pm on Tuesday October 5, 2010, the Laramie County Commissioners have approved a partial burn ban resolution. As presented below.
“RESOLUTION IMPOSING PARTIAL CLOSURE OF LARAMIE COUNTY AS A RESULT OF EXTREME FIRE DANGER”
WHEREAS, pursuant to W.S. § 35-9-301 the Laramie County Board of County Commissioners has the power to order the imposition of restrictions on or prohibit designated activities within the confines of Laramie County in order to limit the use of fire or fire hazard; .
WHEREAS, Laramie County, Wyoming has experienced significant fuel loading resulting in high to extreme fire danger due the presence of excessive amounts of flammable materials; and the presence of seasonal ambient temperatures that have contributed to Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches; wild-land fires are expected to impact available suppression resources; and.
WHEREAS, Laramie County Fire Warden has recommended to the Laramie County Board of County Commissioners that a partial closure of all of Laramie County to forms of fire and fire hazards is necessary due to the fire danger; and.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF LARAMIE COUNTY, WYOMING, that the discharge of fireworks and all outdoor fires are hereby prohibited in Laramie County in all unincorporated areas pursuant to W.S. § 35-9-301 and Chapter 9 of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners. To wit: .
1) As of 5:00 p.m. on October 5, 2010, the discharge of fireworks and their sale to Wyoming residents in Laramie County and all outdoor fires are prohibited in Laramie County except as provided below. This prohibition shall continue until rescinded by the Laramie County Board of Commissioners. .
2) That the following rules shall govern the unincorporated areas of Laramie County, Wyoming:
i) Camp fires are permitted if contained within an established fire ring at an established campground.
ii) Charcoal fires within enclosed grills are permitted.
iii) Use of acetylene cutting torches or electric arc welders in cleared areas ten feet in radius is permitted.
iv) Propane used for or open fire branding activities in cleared areas ten feet in radius are permitted.
v) Petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are only permitted if such devices meet the fire underwriters' specifications for safety.
vi) Smoking is prohibited except within enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco must be extinguished and disposed of properly and are prohibited from being thrown from vehicles.
vii) Internal or external combustion engines including chainsaws, ATV's and motorcycles shall have approved spark arrestors.
viii) Use of chainsaw is permitted, if it has a proper spark arrestor, and a shovel and pressurized fire extinguisher are present at the site.
ix) Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., inside a container provided with a spark arrester and located within a cleared area ten feet in radius, are permitted, provided that said fires are attended at all times by a competent person. .
3) The ban does not include the listed exceptions set forth in Wyoming Statute 35-10-204 or the areas within the incorporated cities or towns within Laramie County that may be more restrictive. .
4) The County Fire Warden shall immediately provide a copy of this Resolution to the County Sheriff, State Land Commission, Bureau of Land Management and State Forester. .
5) The County Fire Warden shall notify the public through advertisement in the newspaper, by press release to the Radio and TV Stations broadcasting within Laramie County, by the Public Alert system, the WYDOT 511 system, and any other method that would economically notify the public. .
For additional information or questions regarding this partial ban, please contact the Laramie County Fire Warden, Bill McHenry at 633-4335 or bmchenry@laramiecounty.com. .
Date of Release: August 19, 2010.
HAZMAT SITUATION
At approximately 8:A.M. August 19, 2010 a SAPP Brothers tractor trailer containing 7,500 gallons of ethanol was parked by the driver on the Northwest parking lot of SAPP Brothers, 12500, I-80 Service Road, Laramie County, Wyoming.
The driver separated the trailer from the tractor and the gravel parking lot could not sustain the weight of the trailer causing it to tip over on its side coming to rest on an empty trailer that was parked next to it.
The off loading valves on the loaded trailer came to rest approximately 12 inches from the ground, preventing their use.
A special team from The Belfore, Environmental Company, Denver Colorado was notified to respond and "Tap" the overturned trailer and transfer the Ethanol to an empty tanker. The Belfore, Environmental Company arrived and affected the transfer of ethanol; there was no spill or injuries during the process.
The entire operation went safely and smoothly due in large part to the practiced cooperation of all agencies involved and was concluded at 4:26 P.M.
Laramie County Emergency Management set up a mobile command post in the area and other emergency response agencies responded as listed below:
Laramie County Sheriff's Office
Cheyenne Fire Department
Fire District One (In charge of the Scene)
Regent District seven response team
Wyoming Highway Patrol
Wyoming Homeland Security
Cheyenne-Laramie County Health
Union Pacific Railroad
American Medical Response
Frontier Refinery
Warren Air Force Base, Fire Department.
Authority for release is Lt. Pat Branigan (633-4718)
Laramie County Sheriff's Office.
Date of Release: July 12, 2010.
Body and Vehicle of Missing Cheyenne Man found in Granite Reservoir.
The vehicle and body of a Cheyenne man missing since early Thursday morning has been recovered in Granite Reservoir. First Responders from Laramie County as well as a number of other agencies made the recovery at approximately 11AM on Sunday at the Boat Ramp area of the Reservoir.
48 year old Robert E. Burkett, Jr., was reported missing late Thursday evening after leaving a family camp site early that morning. An intensive search utilizing a number of agencies began Friday after the victim failed to show up for work.
On Saturday evening a cadaver dog from Laramie County Search and Rescue was brought in to assist in the search around the lake area. The dog alerted to the area around the boat ramp where the vehicle and victim were ultimately found in approximately 15 feet of water about 30 yards offshore. A Game and Fish Boat with specialized sonar was brought in and confirmed that a vehicle was underwater at that location. A Dive Team from Wheatland Fire District 11 was able to secure the vehicle and body for recovery.
Agencies and organizations involved in the search included the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, Wyoming State Parks, Laramie County Search and Rescue, Albany County Search and Rescue, The U.S. Forest Service, Wyoming Game and Fish, The Wheatland Fire District 11 Dive Team, as well as members of the victim's family.
The Sheriff's Office investigation into the incident is ongoing. An autopsy is scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, July 12.
Authority for release is Lt. Hartigan.
Date of Release: June 3, 2010
LARAMIE COUNTY SHERIIFF'S OFFICE DEPUTIES INVESTIGATE SHOOTING THAT INJURES THREE
Deputies from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office are investigating a shooting that occurred at 609 E. Prosser (Circle Trailer Park) at approximately 10 PM Wednesday night (June 2nd).
Three individuals, two mobile homes, and three cars were hit by gunfire from what the initial investigation shows as a shotgun. One individual remains hospitalized in stable condition at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center with wounds from the shooting. Two others were treated and released.
Initial investigation indicates that the suspects and some of the individuals in the victims group had had an argument earlier in the day over a relationship with a female. At approximately 10PM a group of six individuals were in front of a trailer (#33) at 609 E. Prosser when the suspect vehicle with up to four individuals inside drove by then stopped. Two persons exited the vehicle and opened fire with a shotgun striking the victims, the trailer, and three cars parked in the drive way. As the suspects left a shot was fired that struck another mobile home as well as another shot that was fired at the victim's mobile home as the suspects exited the trailer park. The initial investigation indicates that up to six rounds may have been fired from a shotgun. A handgun may have been displayed also by one of the suspects.
The suspect vehicle is described as a white four door car with possible Wyoming or Colorado plates on it.
Two of the victims came to Cheyenne from Casper and one is currently living in Cheyenne although none are residents.
The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made as of the time of this release.
April 19, 2010
6 YEAR MISSING PERSONS CASE TURNS INTO JOINT HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
Remains of Ryan Guitron of Fort Collins, Colo. are Uncovered.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – James A. Alderden, Sheriff of Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Fort Collins, Colo.; Danny L. Glick, Sheriff of Laramie County Sheriff's Office, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Colonel Bryan Tuma of the Nebraska State Patrol; James A. “Tony” Rose, U. S. Marshal for the District of Wyoming; and Special Agent in Charge Marvin G. Richardson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver Field Division announced today that skeletal remains of Ryan Guitron of Fort Collins, Colo., missing since Nov. 4, 2003, were uncovered in southwest Kimball County, Nebraska.
On April 8, 2010, a team of investigators served a state of Nebraska search warrant at an abandoned farmstead in southwest Kimball County, Neb. The search warrant was the result of information gathered in a joint effort by the Nebraska State Patrol Troop E Headquarters- Scottsbluff, Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Fort Collins, Colo., the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, Cheyenne, Wyo., the U. S. Marshals Service, and ATF Cheyenne Field Office. The joint investigation revealed information in the potential homicide of Ryan Guitron of Fort Collins. Guitron was 30-years old when he was reported missing to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office on Nov. 4, 2003.
New information in the more than six-year-old missing person's case was uncovered the first week of April 2010, when officers from the Cheyenne Police Department and deputies from the Laramie County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic disturbance that occurred in Cheyenne, Wyo. A male identified as Vencil Leo Ash III, 38, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was taken into custody as a result of the incident. During a joint investigation into this incident, Laramie County Deputies, Cheyenne Police Department Officers, and ATF Agents recovered .45 caliber ammunition and a .270 caliber rifle from Ash's residence. Ash was later charged with being a prior convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
During the course of the investigation, information was developed that Ash and Guitron had previously been roommates and that on or about September 2003, Ash allegedly took Guitron to an abandoned farmstead in southwest Kimball County, shot him, and buried his body in a woodpile at the farm.
A search through a woodpile on the farmstead led to the discovery of human remains. The remains were taken to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Neb. for forensic examination and identification.
On April 14, 2010, through the use of dental records, the remains were identified to be those of Ryan Guitron.
Ash is currently in the custody of the U. S. Marshal Service being held on a federal complaint filed on April 6 relating to his federal firearms violations. This is an ongoing homicide investigation and the case against Ash is currently under review at both the federal and state levels for prosecution.
Any identified individuals that have been arrested and or charged with a criminal violation, and the circumstances surrounding their arrests are allegations, and those persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
February 24, 2010
LARAMIE COUNTY DEPUTIES ASSIST ANIMAL CONTROL IN SEARCH WARRANT AND TAKING CUSTODY OF LARGE NUMBER OF ANIMALS NEAR CARPENTER.
The Laramie County Sheriff's Office working in conjunction with Animal Control and the State Brand Inspector served a search warrant on a residence near Carpenter (4765 County Road 206 – approximately 3 miles north and west of Carpenter) after receiving several reports of animals in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions.
Animal Control removed 93 dogs, 17 cats, and over 10 rabbits from a single wide trailer located on the property near Carpenter. Some of the dogs and cats were crated in the trailer, while some were in kennels outside. The dogs ranged from small to large in size.
The animals have been taken in for safe keeping and health checks.
The property was being run as a Rescue Shelter for animals and contained numerous other types of livestock to include Emu's and other birds. The livestock and outside animals were not removed from the property by Animal Control and a check by the Brand Inspectors indicated that these animals were in stable condition.
The Search Warrant was served at approximately 1:15PM (February 24, 2010) by Deputies from the Sheriff's Office and Animal Control. The initial information was received after individuals had visited the property in regards to possible adoption of some of the animals.
The owner of the property, Marci Biesheuvel, 50 years of age, was arrested for interference with law enforcement officers when she attempted to refuse entry to the property.
The investigation remains on-going and will be turned over to Animal Control for their follow up and any possible additional charges.
Date of Release: February 11, 2010
Laramie County Sheriff's Office Warning Public on Phone Scam
The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about another scam that has resurfaced in the Cheyenne area.
This scam involves the victim receiving a phone call from an individual claiming to represent their own financial institution where the victim has a credit or debit card. The caller will state that there is a problem with their account and ask the victim to verify their account number and then a PIN number.
The Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public that legitimate financial institutions will not ask for this information over the phone. Do not give your account/credit card/debit card information out to any unknown party over the telephone.
It is unknown at this time exactly how the callers are obtaining information regarding the victim's financial institutions, however, unauthorized information being obtained from victim's previous credit card or debit card transactions are one possible source that is being looked at.
The Sheriff's Office is advising anyone who may receive a call like this, or similar, to contact the Sheriff's Office, or Police Department, and your financial institution to report the scam. Any information you can obtain from the caller is also helpful to include any phone numbers from Caller ID or any names and numbers they give you is essential in following up your report.
Citizens should be reminded to know who you're talking to and not provide your sensitive information over the phone to unverifiable callers.
Authority for Release is Captain Rich Hillegas
Date of Release: February 8, 2010
Laramie County Sheriff's Office Warning Public on Lottery Scam.
The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about a lottery scam originating in Canada that has resurfaced in the Cheyenne area.
This scam involves the victim receiving a winner's notification letter with an authentic looking check that may be appear to be drawn from a valid financial institution. The instructions ask the victim to cash the check and then pay government taxes by money gram or Western Union to a tax agent within 5 days. The letter will state they have won a sweepstakes award in conjunction with a product or shopping promotion at a nationally known retail store or stores.
In the past, the fraudulent check received by victims has not been from a valid account leaving the victim out the money that was sent to the point of contact.
The letter will provide the name of a contact of an agent – whom they ask you to contact immediately to claim the winnings – with a phone number that comes back as a cell phone from Alberta, Canada. The letter's envelope may also have a Canadian postmark.
The Sheriff's Office is advising anyone who may receive a letter like this, or similar, to contact the Sheriff's Office, or Police Department, or the State Attorney General's Office – Consumer Affairs Division at 777-7874 – and report the scam. Providing the letter and original check is also essential in following up the report.
Citizens should be reminded that if it “sounds too good to be true” it probably is. And, to carefully look at any type notification of unsolicited winnings that asks you to send your own money to claim a prize or anything of value.
Authority for Release is Captain Rich Hillegas.
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