Man Arrested After Leading Casper Police on Pursuit
A man was arrested early Sunday after a traffic stop for suspected drunken driving turned into a police chase.
Gabriel Anthony Roybal, 32, was booked into jail on recommended charges of driving while under the influence, driving under suspension, eluding, property damage, felony theft and interference. He will likely make his initial appearance in Natrona County Circuit Court at 2 p.m. Monday.
Charging papers say a Casper police detective responded to a report of a drunk driver in the area of CY Avenue and Poplar Street at about 11:40 p.m. Friday. The person who reported the incident described a vehicle as driving "all over the road."
The detective followed the vehicle westbound on CY Avenue and reportedly saw the vehicle -- a gold 2006 Buick four-door -- driving erratically, so the detective stopped the Buick.
The driver -- Roybal -- was visibly intoxicated, according to the detective's affidavit. Roybal claimed he had not consumed any alcohol.
When the detective returned to his patrol vehicle to check Roybal's license status, Roybal allegedly shifted the Buick into 'drive' and took off at a high rate of speed. The detective followed as Roybal drove north on Fairgrounds Road.
The pursuit continued west on Fairside Road and then north on Wyoming Boulevard, where Roybal allegedly drove in excess of 60 mph in a 20-mph construction zone.
As Roybal approached the traffic signal at West 13th Street, he allegedly veered out of his lane of travel and crashed through orange traffic barrels in the intersection. The detective ended the pursuit.
Roybal reportedly continued north on Wyoming Boulevard, crashing through more barrels before his Buick left the roadway and hit a sign for the town of Mills. Roybal crashed in front of a Mills police officer.
Officers pulled Roybal from the Buick and handcuffed him.
Roybal refused to participate in standard field sobriety tests. He also refused to give a breath sample, and refused to comply with a search warrant.
A check of Roybal's driver's license showed it to be suspended.
The registered owner of the vehicle, who used to be in a romantic relationship with Roybal, told the detective that she left Roybal in February due to his excessive drinking. She had purchased the Buick after breaking up with Roybal, and she was the sole owner.
Roybal's ex said she paid $5,500 for the Buick and never gave Roybal permission to use it. She asked to pursue charges for the theft of and damage to the vehicle.