Man Who Walked Near Old Faithful Charged in Cheyenne Police Chase
A Greeley, Colo. man who was caught on video walking dangerously close to Old Faithful Geyser and sitting next to Beryl Spring in Yellowstone National Park on Sept. 14 is facing up to 10 years in prison after a police chase in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Gabriel Villalva made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court Friday afternoon on charges of interference with a peace officer-injury, reckless driving and eluding.
"I'd like to plead guilty and move to sentencing," Villalva told Judge Denise Nau, who explained that the lower court could not accept pleas in felony cases and appointed Villalva an attorney.
The 27-year-old Villalva was arrested Wednesday afternoon after leading Cheyenne police on a roughly 15-minute chase which ended with his SUV catching fire.
According to an affidavit, Villalva hit a patrol car during the pursuit and drove on the golf course at the Cheyenne Country Club. He also reportedly tried to hit an officer when he was attempting to deploy tire spikes.
Villalva is currently being held in the Laramie County jail on a $10,000 cash bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m.