5-3, 2016
A Rapid City, South Dakota man is in custody after leading Wyoming law enforcement on a 70 mile long pursuit in a stolen vehicle on Interstate 90.
A Wyoming State Trooper initially stopped a 2005 Jeep Cherokee around 5:30 p.m. on May 2nd for speeding at mile post 142 on I-90 westbound approximately 13 miles east of Gillette, Wyoming. The Jeep had no license plates which prompted the Trooper to check the Jeep’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The check on the VIN revealed that the Jeep had been stolen out of Rapid City, South Dakota on that same day (May 2nd).
With the discovery of the stolen vehicle, the Trooper requested backup. A Campbell County (CCSO) Deputy Sheriff arrived on scene to assist with taking the occupant of the Jeep, 23 year old Rapid City, South Dakota resident Nino Montreal (male), into custody. As the Trooper gave commands to Montreal to exit the Jeep, Montreal fled the scene in the Jeep westbound on I-90 at a high rate of speed.
Along with CCSO Deputies, the Trooper pursued Montreal westbound on I-90. A first attempt to spike the Jeep’s tires was unsuccessful at mile post 130 on I-90 as Montreal was able to drive around the spikes.
As the pursuit approached the city limits of Gillette, all exits into Gillette were blocked off by the Gillette Police Department (GPD). A second attempt to spike the Jeep was unsuccessful at mile post 125 on I-90 as Montreal was able to drive around the spikes once again.
The pursuit continued west on I-90 reaching speeds of 110 mph. Additional WHP Troopers and Deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) set up a third tire spike attempt at mile post 73 on I-90 that was successful. Montreal continued for one more mile before stopping after a tire separated from the rim of the Jeep from the successful spike deployment.
Montreal was taken into custody without incident after stopping.
Montreal was transported to the Campbell County Detention Center in Gillette. He has been charged with possession of stolen property, eluding and speeding.
The teamwork between all agencies involved (WHP, CCSO, GPD and JCSO) and their dispatch centers is being credited for the safe ending of the pursuit and apprehension of Montreal.