Wyoming Highway Patrol Led on 73 Mile Chase

Three alleged car thieves are in custody after leading authorities on a long 72 mile car chase in a stolen vehicle. The chase began 36 miles south of Casper on WYO 220 and ended in Rawlins with an encounter at a fast food establishment according to officials.

A Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper stopped a Ford Focus for a speeding violation shortly after 8:00 p.m. Wednesday. The Trooper called for backup after learning from dispatch that the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Sparta, Wisconsin, Police Department. The driver and two passengers took off before backup arrived and headed south into Carbon County.

Troopers ahead of the pursuit laid down spike strips four miles north of Rawlins, forcing the vehicle to stop with flat tires a couple of miles later. All three individuals fled on foot. The two passengers, both 18 years of age, were quickly rounded up in the prairie and taken into custody by Troopers.

The driver, 18 year-old Allan Dejesus from Sparta, Wisconsin, was spotted 11.5 hours later in a local fast food establishment at the east end of Rawlins by Carbon County Sheriff Jerry Colson and taken into custody without incident.

Authorities report all three individuals face charges in Wyoming for possession of stolen property and parties to a crime. Dejesus also has been charged with eluding, interference with a peace officer and driving while under suspension. It is unknown at this time if they will face any charges in Wisconsin.