Update: As of 4 p.m., the Natrona County Sheriff's Office reports a witness has identified the male suspect as Kevin Skaj, 33, who is wanted on multiple warrants for nonviolent charges. Though original reports suggested a gun was in the stolen vehicle, that is no longer believed, but residents are still advised to use caution.
Natrona County authorities are warning Antelope Hills residents to lock the doors of their homes and vehicles as two suspects in a vehicle theft and car chase are believed to be loose in the area on foot and potentially armed.
At about 9:20 Wednesday morning, law enforcement officers saw a vehicle that had been reported stolen and tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the man and woman inside the vehicle fled toward the area of Antelope Hills, north of the town of Bar Nunn on the east side of Interstate 25, according to a statement the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office dispatched at midday.
The man, a white male in a plaid jacket and ballcap, and white or Hispanic female with dark hair wearing a plaid or orange poncho and possibly carrying a purse, are believed to have separated from each other and disbanded in the rural residential area of Antelope Hills, the statement says.
“They may be looking for unsecured homes and structures to hide in, as well as unlocked vehicles to potentially steal,” says the statement. “They are potentially armed and should not be approached.”
The sheriff’s department Wyoming Highway Patrol, and Casper and Mills Police Departments are on the search.
The sheriff’s department is asking residents who see suspicious activity or the suspects to call 911 “immediately.” The public should avoid the area until the suspects are caught, the statement adds.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
