Rock Springs Man Faces Potential Life Sentence

A Rock Springs man could face a sentence of Life In Prison if convicted of several charges following a pursuit by police and several near-collisions.

Sweetwater County Sheriff's Department spokesman Dick Blust says deputies were called to milepost marker 114 on Interstate 80 east of Rock Springs shortly before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The original report was that a pickup with only 1 headlight was driving westbound in the eastbound lane. At one point the suspect, 42-year-old Clifton Galati, allegedly drove his 1999 Dodge Caravan straight at a sheriff's department vehicle. The deputy was able to avoid Galati, who continued westbound. Galati then allegedly swerved towards several semi-trucks, all of whom were able to avoid him. Deputies pursued Galati at speeds of as high as 90 mph before stopping him at milepost marker 128.

Blust says Galati had his two children, ages 4 and 6, in the vehicle.

Galati has been charged with offenses ranging from DUI and Unlawful Use of Methamphetamine to being a Habitual Criminal. He is currently being held on $25,000 cash-only bond in the Sweetwater County Detention Center.