Laramie Police Chase Ends in Crash, Drug Arrest Downtown

A red Lincoln passenger car ended up against a parked vehicle near 6th Street and Hancock Street in downtown Laramie just before 1 a.m. Monday after a high-speed pursuit that cut through the city core, sent the driver the wrong way down a one-way street, and blew through multiple red lights and stop signs before the crash ended it.

Laramie Police officers attempted to stop the Lincoln near the 400 block of Grand Avenue at approximately 12:55 a.m. on March 30. The driver refused to yield. Albany County Sheriff's Office deputies monitoring police radio traffic joined the pursuit and assumed primary responsibility as the vehicle accelerated northbound on 3rd Street, committing a string of moving violations through blocks of downtown before striking a parked car near 6th and Hancock, disabling the Lincoln.

The driver fled on foot into a nearby backyard. Deputies captured him quickly and had him evaluated for injuries before booking. No law enforcement personnel or bystanders were reported injured.

Manuel Rodriquez, 46, of Colorado, faces felony possession of controlled substances across multiple drug types, felony possession with intent to deliver, eluding law enforcement, interference with a peace officer, driving under the influence, reckless driving, speeding, and improper display of registration, among other counts. Bond was set at $20,000. A preliminary hearing in the 2nd Judicial District is scheduled for April 7.

The Albany County Sheriff's Office credited the Laramie Police Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and Laramie Fire Department with coordinating the response. The sheriff's office noted that all charges remain allegations and that Rodriquez is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The felony drug counts, including the intent-to-deliver allegation, will depend on laboratory analysis of seized substances before prosecutors finalize charging documents. The April 7 hearing is the next scheduled public step; depending on prosecutorial decisions, the case could advance to a formal felony information or grand jury.