Casper Man Admits to Stealing Gumball Machine From Diner

A Casper man who eluded police for months has admitted to stealing a gumball machine from an area diner.

Prosecutors say Tyler Sims took the gumball machine from the Western Grill in March of last year.

According to court documents, Sims, along with a friend, removed $160 in change from the machine and dumped it near Hat Six and Goose Creek Road. Authorities say the gumball machine, valued at $500, could hold up to $700 in change.

Police later learned that both men had stolen another gumball machine in a previous burglary at the Salvation Army.

An arrest warrant for Sims was issued after shoe prints at the Western Grill and the dump site were matched with a pair of shoes owned by Sims.

Sims was arrested in August. He entered a guilty plea to one count of burglary in Natrona County District Court on Thursday.

Sims is free on $10,000 bond and awaits sentencing.