Two WPD, one Sheriff’s vehicle damaged after high-speed chase last week

WHEATLAND (WNE) – In a statement released April 16 by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office on its Facebook page, in addition to Record-Times inquiries of Wheatland Police Chief Doug Willadsen, the following occurred:

At approximately 12:57 p.m. Monday, April 15, PCSO was requested to assist a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper on a traffic stop with suspected drugs. While enroute, deputies were informed the suspect vehicle took off from mile marker 73 on I-25, and proceeded north on South Wheatland Highway toward Wheatland, driving at a high rate of speed in the wrong lane of travel. Deputies attempted a roadblock to direct the suspect vehicle onto Cozad Road in an attempt to keep them out of city limits. The suspect vehicle avoided deputies, driving onto the grass shoulder of the road.

Three Wheatland police officers were notified of the pursuit and were dispatched to assist, setting up a “tire def lation device” near the Wheatland Cemetery, which was successful in penetrating the passenger-side tires of the suspect vehicle. The damaged vehicle continued to drive through the Country Club Addition neighborhood at high rates of speed as all responding law enforcement agencies attempted to stop the vehicle. A sheriff department’s patrol car rammed the suspect, and Willadsen attempted to block the pathway to prevent the suspects from entering the residential area. The suspect vehicle increased speed and hit his patrol car before continuing into the residential area. The suspect vehicle proceeded on to the Wheatland Golf Course before losing control, giving Wheatland police the opportunity to pin the vehicle in.

The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot, while the other three passengers remained with the vehicle. Platte County Sheriff’s K9 officer Toro was deployed to apprehend the escaping suspect.

In the ensuing investigation, a “large amount” (approximately 6,000) Fentanyl pills were located in the vehicle, along with a handgun. All four occupants of the suspect vehicle were arrested and booked into the Platte County Detention Center.

This story was published on April 24, 2024.