Rock Springs Man Could Face 40 Years Following Police Chase

A Rock Springs resident who allegedly committed a crime spree and was then able to get away from pursuing aw enforcement officers last month now faces 10 criminal charges and the possibility of decades behind bars.

Garret Wayne Maheu, 29, made his initial appearance Thursday in Sweetwater County Circuit Court. He is charged with felony theft, possession of burglar's tools, fleeing or attempting to elude police officers, reckless driving, criminal trespass, methamphetamine possession, two counts of burglary and two counts of interference.

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office said Friday that Maheu could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Early on the morning of Oct. 1, sheriff's deputies and Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers responded to the area of Highway 191 South and Interstate 80 to assist Rock Springs police officers who reported a vehicle trying to elude them.

The vehicle, a white Ford panel van, was found near the exit 99 westbound onramp of I-80. Officers pursued the van westbound on I-80 between toward Green River, but the van's driver reversed course, crossing the median before exiting the interstate near mile marker 104.

The van drove into residential neighborhoods in Rock Springs, and authorities decided to call off the chase.

Maheu was able to get away that day, but was later arrested on unrelated charges. His bond was set Thursday at $250,000 cash or surety, and he remained in custody at the Sweetwater County Detention Center on Friday.