GLENROCK — During the pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle reached speeds of 150 mph. After discontinuing the pursuit because the vehicle was approaching Glenrock’s city limits, the suspect ditched his vehicle and fled on foot, but was later found hiding under a bush by law enforcement officers.
According to a Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) press release, on January 25, 2021, a WHP trooper stopped a northbound Dodge Challenger around milepost 182 on Interstate 25 for speeding 110 mph in a posted 80 mph speed zone. The trooper observed possible signs of impairment with the driver and requested his documents. The driver failed to comply and fled from the trooper.
The trooper pursued the vehicle as it exited onto Hat Six Road, where the driver turned north and then east onto US 20/26, the press release states. The suspect vehicle reached speeds of 150 mph as it was being pursued. As the car approached the town limits of Glenrock, the trooper decided to discontinue the pursuit in the interest of public safety.
Troopers were able to locate the suspect vehicle from the pursuit a short time later off the roadway in Glenrock. The driver had fled from the car. Law enforcement in the area assisted troopers in searching for the driver, the release states. The driver was located a short time later, hiding under a bush, and taken into custody without further incident.
The driver has been identified as 26-year-old Santa Maria, California, resident Matthew Ruiz.
Ruiz was charged with a felony charge of driving while under the influence, fleeing to elude, driving while under suspension, open container, and reckless driving.
Agencies that assisted with this event were Converse County Sheriff’s Department and Glenrock Police Department.