All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
(Lander, WY) – Three subjects were arrested in connection to the high speed chase from October 27, which took place in the Lander and Fort Washakie area Sunday afternoon.
Those charged include the driver, Joseph Friday (24), and the two other occupants, Jay Martel (21) and Alan Friday (20).
Joseph Friday was charged with DUI, DUS, eluding, and reckless driving, while Martel was charged with interference and booked on an arrest warrant, and Alan Friday had a County warrant for his arrest as well.
Lander Police Department (LPD) Chief Scott Peters shared additional details about the chase today, October 29, which he informed originated from a REDDI (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately) report about a passenger vehicle that was “driving erratically down Main Street in Lander.”
“When the (LPD) officers spotted and attempted to stop (the vehicle), they took off,” Chief Peters shared.
At that point the vehicle drove out of town and the pursuit ensued, which reached speeds up to 115 mph.
As reported on Sunday, the chase continued through Fort Washakie before the vehicle turned around and headed back in the original direction, and soon after the Wyoming Highway Patrol was able to deploy spike strips on the car.
“A Trooper was able to successfully deploy spike strips just north of Fort Washakie,” WHP Trooper Nicholas Warren confirmed with County 10.
Chief Peters went on to share that the vehicle continued driving for about four miles after being spiked, and ultimately rolled over when it took a curve at about 80 mph near South Fork Road.
Only minor injures were reported for those in the vehicle before they were detained, Peters added.
LPD later learned that the group had been at a local grocery store before the chase had been initiated, and were reported to have stolen alcohol. (Joseph Friday was also later charged with theft in connection to that incident.) During the chase, officers could see the occupants passing around a bottle, Peters also shared.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, WHP, and Wind River Police Department/BIA all provided assistance to LPD during the chase, Peters confirmed.
County 10 will provide further updates on Joseph Friday’s case as they become available.