In a statement released April 16 by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office on its Facebook page, in addition to Record-Times inquiries of Wheatland Police Chief Doug Willadsen, the following occurred:

At approximately 12:57 p.m. Monday, April 15, PCSO was requested to assist a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper on a traffic stop with suspected drugs. While en-route, deputies were informed the suspect vehicle took off from mile marker 73 on I-25, and proceeded north on South Wheatland Highway toward Wheatland, driving at a high rate of speed in the wrong lane of travel. Deputies attempted a roadblock to direct the suspect vehicle onto Cozad Road in an attempt to keep them out of city limits. The suspect vehicle avoided deputies, driving onto the grass shoulder of the road.

Three Wheatland police officers were notified of the pursuit and were dispatched to assist, setting up a “tire deflation device” near the Wheatland Cemetery, which was successful in penetrating the passenger-side tires of the suspect vehicle. The damaged vehicle continued to drive through the Country Club Addition neighborhood at high rates of speed as all responding law enforcement agencies attempted to stop the vehicle. A sheriff department’s patrol car rammed the suspect, and Willadsen attempted to block the pathway to prevent the suspects from entering the residential area. The suspect vehicle increased speed and hit his patrol car before continuing into the residential area. The suspect vehicle proceeded on to the Wheatland Golf Course before losing control, giving Wheatland police the opportunity to pin the vehicle in.

The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot, while the other three passengers remained with the vehicle. Platte County Sheriff’s K9 officer Toro was deployed to apprehend the escaping suspect.

In the ensuing investigation, a “large amount” (approximately 6,000) Fentanyl pills were located in the vehicle, along with a handgun. All four occupants of the suspect vehicle were arrested and booked into the Platte County Detention Center.

The suspects have been charged with the following charges by the Wyoming Highway Patrol:

Alan Baxter, the driver, was charged with driving under suspension, fleeing or attempting to elude, and reckless driving.

Benjamin Rodriquez, who had two warrants out of Colorado, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance - plant form.

Derek Lanctot was charged with possession with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance - pill form, possession of a controlled substance - plant form, and use or possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony.

Erica Jones was charged with possession of a controlled substance - plant form third or consequent offence, possession of a controlled substance - powder form less than three ounces.

Willadsen said there was damage to the body, suspension and front wheel area of his patrol car, but he was told it can be repaired. He expects it to be back in service in four to six weeks. A second Wheatland patrol vehicle was damaged, requiring some body work, but Willadsen said the grill guard protected it from more severe damage. The Sheriff’s department vehicle received minor damage.