One person has been arrested, after Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers say they were alerted to a stolen vehicle being driven in Laramie County. Reports say that the vehicle was recognized by it’s owner.
The suspect in the case, born in 1987, is facing a felony charge of Theft in the case. If convicted, a person accused of felony Theft can face up to ten years incarceration, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
An affidavit of probable cause filed by the WHP in Laramie County Circuit Court says that emergency dispatch received a call from a citizen reporting a stolen vehicle being driven on Wyoming Highway 214 in Laramie County, on October 14, 2021.
The affidavit says that the vehicle was identified and called in by its owner, who said that they had the vehicle in sight. At one point it was alleged the driver of the stolen vehicle had approached the other driver with a stick in hand.
Troopers stopped the vehicle, identified as a 2005 Jeep, and reportedly detained the driver, who denied that the Jeep was stolen.
“It’s not stolen, the keys were in it,” the suspect is quoted in the affidavit.
The suspect was ultimately arrested and transported to the Laramie County Detention Center.
No bond information for the suspect, identified in documents as Chuck Allen Hodge, was available Oct. 18, 2021. Jail records show that he remained in custody Monday morning. All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office.
