A Cheyenne man was arrested on March 15, facing multiple charges, including vehicle theft and burglary, following a string of incidents that started with a stolen vehicle report.
At approximately 2:29 p.m. on March 15, an officer on patrol noticed a blue Toyota Tacoma turning onto Arp Avenue. The vehicle matched the description of a stolen car reported earlier in the day. The officer followed the truck as it turned onto West Fox Farm Road and parked in front of a residence on Hynds Avenue. The driver, later identified as Gardea, exited the vehicle and fled into the backyard of a nearby house.
After confirming that the Toyota was indeed stolen, officers arrived and maintained surveillance on the vehicle. A neighbor reported seeing Gardea run through their backyard and into the yard of another home. Officers conducted a search of the second yard and heard coughing from an attachment to the residence. The homeowner allowed officers to enter, where they found Gardea and escorted him outside.
Gardea initially denied stealing the vehicle, but officers found the keys to the stolen Toyota in his pocket. He was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and criminal entry. At the Laramie County Detention Center, Gardea was also served a warrant for additional charges including theft, DUI, reckless driving, and interference with a peace officer.
Earlier in the morning, at 6:02 a.m., Gardea was involved in another incident. A burglary victim reported that Gardea had broken into her vehicle by throwing a brick through the window, causing her injury. He stole items from the vehicle and fled the scene, with security cameras capturing the crime. Although officers couldn’t locate Gardea at the time, a probable cause affidavit was submitted.
Gardea, 35, now faces numerous charges, including vehicle theft, burglary, criminal entry, domestic battery, DUI, reckless driving, and interference with law enforcement.
