Wyoming Troopers Chase Stolen Pickup Through Laramie County

A 37-year-old from South Dakota is facing a handful of charges after a wild chase involving a stolen pickup and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

According to an agency Facebook post, it all started around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday when troopers were informed that a Ram pickup reported stolen out of South Dakota was headed south on Interstate 25 in Laramie County.

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Troopers spotted the stolen pickup near the Whitaker Road exit and the driver, later identified as Mason R. Hellevang, then took the exit and continued south on the I-25 Service Road which turns into Old Yellowstone Road.

Pursuit Ensues

"Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle soon after, but the truck did not stop and a pursuit ensued, continuing southbound to Yellowstone Road," the post reads.

Secure Status

Out of an abundance of caution, the patrol requested Prairie Wind Elementary School go into a secure status.

Spike Strips and a TVI

"Troopers then laid spikes at the intersection of Yellowstone Road and Iron Mountain, successfully spiking the truck’s tires," the post reads. "A trooper then performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI), and the truck was brought to a stop south of the intersection."

Hellevang was subsequently arrested and booked into the Laramie County Detention Center for felony theft, speeding, lane use and stop sign violations, and eluding.

As of noon Thursday, Hellevang had yet to be formally charged.

Please remember that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.