CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A Cheyenne man is facing felony charges after losing control of his vehicle and leading law enforcement on a brief foot chase on Interstate 25, resulting in the discovery of significant amounts of illegal drugs.
Trooper M. Kittelson responded to reports of a single-vehicle accident near mile marker 43 on Thursday afternoon. Upon arrival, Kittelson observed a Subaru Outback in the median, its journey evidently disrupted by blown-out tires.
The driver, identified as 25-year-old Dakota E. Birch, initially claimed ignorance about the incident, stating he simply lost control while driving, according to booking sheets. However, the trooper detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, prompting a search.
The search revealed not just marijuana but a stash of drugs exceeding felony possession limits. The subsequent search added about 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 29 grams of suspected marijuana to the haul, along with a partially burnt fentanyl pill and multiple items of drug paraphernalia.
Birch attempted to flee the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended after tripping. He resisted arrest but was eventually handcuffed with the assistance of a fire department employee, according to police documents.
Following his arrest, Birch was taken to a local hospital for clearance and then to the Laramie County Detention Center for further questioning.
Birch faces multiple charges, including possession of over 3 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance, interference with a peace officer and failure to maintain a lane of travel.
