A driver led area authorities on a high speed chase in the early morning hours through Afton before the vehicle crashed south of Smoot on Wednesday. 

At approximately 7:45 a.m., a traffic complaint was called into local law enforcement regarding a silver Subaru driving at high speed southbound and passing into oncoming traffic in a very unsafe manner near Grover. The driver of the vehicle arrived in Afton where he continued at high rate of speed estimated at 90 miles per hour. It was in Afton that law enforcement from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and the Afton Police Department (APD) pursued the driver who sideswiped two moving vehicles traveling southbound near the Elkhorn Arch as he attempted to split them in his direction of travel. 

The driver then continued southbound on US 89 where his estimated speed increased according to Lt. Kyle Thomson of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. 

“Once he passed Peak Fitness, he was into triple digits,” he told SVI. “My vehicle was maxed out at 105.”

Thomson noted that through the area he tried to utilize lights and sirens to help clear what was ahead. 

“I didn’t want to create tension,” he said. “We were hoping the lights and siren would minimize traffic by having drivers move to the shoulder.”

Thomson also added that circumstances were fortunate with bus routes having been mostly completed at the time of the chase and no pedestrians being in Afton’s walkway.  

The pursuit continued through Smoot where provided information from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office stated that the driver attempted to gain access to a driveway and left the highway near mile post 72 where he lost control. The Subaru was estimated to have rolled at least four times before coming to rest. 

The driver will face charges from the LCSO including evading or fleeing law enforcement as well as multiple charges to include speeding and/or reckless driving. Other charges may be forthcoming. 

According to APD Chief Jason Romberg, the driver will be facing “numerous charges” for the incidents that took place within the town limits. 

This incident is still under investigation by the LCSO, the APD and the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP). 

Lt. Thomson emphasized appreciation for multiple people during the incident. 

“We really appreciate the [Afton] Fire Department for showing up and making the car safe,” he said. “The EMS for checking out the driver so quickly and the assistance of the Afton Police Department was also appreciated.”

In addition, Thomson praised the situational awareness of drivers on the road who moved over and created additional space for the scene. 

No injuries by those in the sideswiped vehicles were reported. The driver refused medical treatment at the scene. 

Additional details from the WHP may be added as they become available.