Assist Becomes Arrest

The Wyoming Highway Patrol today issued this press release concerning a trooper stopping to help a stranded motorist, but ending the encounter with a felony arrest...

An initial motorist assist on July 13th ended with a felony charge when a trooper responded to mile post 210 on Interstate 25 at 8:37 am north of Casper. A 2005 Buick Rendezvous was parked on an exit ramp and appeared to be in need of assistance. The responding trooper was suspicious he was being given false information as to who the driver on scene actually was while speaking with the occupants. Through the investigation, the trooper was able to ascertain 35 year old Kendrick L. Murray's true identity.

As the investigation continued, it was discovered that Kendrick Murray's driver's license was suspended and that the Buick had been stolen out of Billings, Montana. It was also discovered that the female occupant in the vehicle had a protection order against Murray. Kendrick Murray was arrested without incident and charged with felonious possession of stolen property, violation of a protection order, interference with a peace officer and driving while his license was suspended. Kendrick Murray was booked in to the Natrona County Jail.

This incident illustrates how a simple call for service can escalate in to a felony arrest in a moment's notice. The trooper's diligence to investigate beyond a vehicle out of gas resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the multiple charges that followed.