Cheyenne Man Goes to Great Lengths Trying to Avoid Arrest

A 33-year-old Cheyenne man is behind bars after reportedly causing multiple disturbances and leading police on two high-speed chases and a foot pursuit Thursday.

Public Information Officer Alex Farkas says it all started around 10 a.m. when officers were called to a verbal disturbance involving Joseph Hernandez at a home near the 200 block of West 8th Street.

"Prior to arriving at the location, an officer conducted a records inquiry and learned that Hernandez did not have a valid driver’s license," Farkas said in a news release.

"On scene, officers observed Hernandez sitting in the driver’s seat of a red Ford F-150 parked in the driveway," Farkas added. "Officers attempted to communicate with Hernandez, but he immediately rolled the windows up, put the vehicle in gear, and backed out of the driveway."

Farkas says officers commanded Hernandez to stop, but he sped off.

"The truck continued traveling east on West 5th Street, crossing I-180 at a high rate of speed and running a red light through moderate traffic," said Farkas.

"The officer then lost sight of Hernandez on the east side of I-180," she added. "Additional officers were called to help search the area, but they were unable to relocate the truck."

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Farkas says around 11:20 a.m. an officer was called to an alarm call at a home in the 2000 block of East 15th Street and saw the truck parked outside and a man matching Hernandez’s description in the driver’s seat.

"As the officer drove toward the vehicle, Hernandez pulled out of his parking spot and accelerated east on East 15th Street," said Farkas. "The officer followed behind Hernandez and activated emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle at Campbell Avenue and East Lincolnway, but Hernandez continued to increase his speed, initiating a pursuit."

"As the pursuit continued through south Cheyenne, Hernandez proceeded to drive recklessly and at times, into oncoming traffic and through stop signs," Farkas added. "Due to safety concerns, the decision was made to terminate the pursuit."

Farkas says about two hours later, officers were called to a disturbance at a home in the 300 block of Bocage Drive.

"Upon arrival, an officer observed Hernandez jumping a fence into the backyard," said Farkas. "The officer chased Hernandez and commanded him to stop, but he refused."

"After issuing another warning, a Taser was deployed, but he kept running and attempted to gain entry into the house," added Farkas. "The officer contacted Hernandez, who actively resisted and ignored commands to get on the ground."

Farkas says additional officers arrived to help with applying handcuffs and Hernandez was taken into custody without further incident.

"Hernandez was medically cleared and booked into the Laramie County Detention Center for fleeing and eluding, two counts of driving without a valid license, running a red light, two counts of reckless driving, interference with a peace officer, two counts of speeding in a residential area, and assault and battery," said Farkas.