(Sweetwater County, WY) – 37-year-old Helena, Montana resident Michael R. Harriell led Wyoming Highway Patrol on an I-80 pursuit Monday afternoon.
According to the WHP release, he drove around a road closure gate and headed eastbound toward Wamsutter at speeds near 100 mph.
Harriell crossed into opposite lanes of travel for a brief time before exiting the roadway.
He continued to evade law enforcement – driving upon oilfield roads, two tracks, and through the desert north of Wamsutter.
The pursuit changed travel direction multiple times before the vehicle became stuck in a snowbank. Harriell was taken into custody without further incident.
He was charged with fleeing to elude, property damage, reckless driving, reckless endangering, driving on a closed road, and speeding.
The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Department assisted with this incident.