2 Arrested After Chase Reaches 110 MPH, Spans 3 Wyoming Counties
Two people were arrested Friday after what began as a traffic stop for improper registration turned into a 70-mile police chase spanning three counties and reaching speeds of over 100 mph.
Jared Baker, 37, and Ashley Mabbitt, 21, were arrested and booked into the Natrona County Detention Center at roughly 10 p.m. Friday, according to a jail roster.
In a news release, Evansville Police Chief Mike Thompson said his officers attempted to stop an older Buick passenger car after one officer noticed that the registration tag did not match the Buick. When the officer turned on his overhead lights to stop the Buick, the driver -- later identified as Baker -- accelerated.
Thompson said his officer was suspicious that the Buick may have been stolen.
Baker led police eastbound on US 20/26, reaching speeds up to 110 mph. The chase crossed into Converse County, toward Glenrock, and other law enforcement agencies including the Wyoming Highway Patrol were notified.
Glenrock police joined the pursuit after Baker turned north on Highway 93, with speeds still over 100 mph. State troopers and Converse County deputies joined the chase as well, and Baker turned left onto Ross Road in Converse County before heading north.
The pursuit left the pavement and continued on gravel roads, moving into the very rural southwest corner of Campbell County.
Thompson said Baker drove off of the gravel road, and one of the tires on the Buick blew out. It wasn't long afterward that Baker finally stopped, 58 minutes after the pursuit began.
Baker was booked on recommended charges of improper registration, eluding, driving while suspended, felony methamphetamine possession, reckless driving, and interference. He was also booked on three outstanding warrants, two of them issued in Natrona County.
The recommended charges against Mabbitt are having an open container in a vehicle, probation revocation and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
"The Evansville Police Department would like to remind our citizens and those who violate the laws that we enforce, that we will continue to pursue all criminals and suspects, even if it takes our officers over 70 miles to apprehend them and bring them to justice," Thompson said in a statement Monday.
Thompson also credited the Natrona County Sheriff's Office, Glenrock Police Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol and Converse County Sheriff's Office as well as dispatchers from Casper and Converse County with aiding in the pursuit.