From Laramie Police:

A local man is currently in custody and facing charges of Felony Eluding, Theft of a Vehicle, 3 charges of Auto Burglary, Possession of a Controlled Substance Methamphetamine and Marijuana, Reckless Driving, and Driving on a Suspended License.

On Thursday November 2, 2023, at approximately 8:17 a.m., Laramie Police Department Officers were dispatched to a sighting of a vehicle which had been reported stolen approximately 30 minutes prior. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle around Curtis and McCue Streets, although the driver, 23-year-old Russell Thomas Goodrum failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was taken over by Albany County Sherriff’s Office Deputies and went all through Laramie, resulting in two separate crashes at 22nd and Grand and 22nd and Harney. A Laramie Police Department Officer was able to deploy spikes at 15th and Sheridan, and the suspect vehicle finally stopped in the 500 block of N. 3rd Street, where Goodrum was arrested.

Wyoming Statute 31-5-225(c)(ii)(b) states any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to bring his vehicle to a stop, or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police vehicle, when given visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop, is guilty of a misdemeanor. A driver commits aggravated fleeing or

attempting to elude a police officer if: Causes property damage to the property of any other person in an amount exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00).

Wyoming Statute 6-3-402(a)(c)(i) states a person is guilty of theft if he knowingly takes, obtains, procures, retains, or exercises control over property of another person without authorization. Felony Theft is punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), or both if the value of the property is one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or more.

Wyoming Statute 6-3-301(a) states A person is guilty of burglary if, without authority, he enters or remains in a vehicle, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof, with intent to commit theft or a felony therein. Burglary is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), or both.

Wyoming Statute 35-7-1031(b) states It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance. Possession of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than twelve (12) months, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or both.

Wyoming Statute 31-5-229 states Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than twelve (12) months, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or both.

Wyoming Statute 31-7-134(a) states no person shall drive a motor vehicle on any public highway in this state at a time when his driver’s license, from this or any other jurisdiction, or nonresident operating privileges are cancelled, suspended, or revoked under this act or any other law. A person convicted of violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both.

These charges are merely accusations, and the subject is considered innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.

A thank you to the City of Laramie Street Department, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and Albany County Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case.

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