A Wednesday afternoon at a Cheyenne hardware store gave way to flashing lights, drawn guns and a swift police response after a reported armed robbery outside Ace Hardware that ended with three people in custody and multiple firearms recovered.
Within minutes of the first 911 call, police flooded the east side of the city.
By about 3:30 p.m., at least eight law enforcement vehicles with emergency lights flashing were clustered near athletic fields east of the store, where officers appeared to be investigating and searching vehicles.
Motorists slowed as they passed, trying to make sense of the sudden show of force.
Cheyenne resident Cassadie Randolph was one of them.
She pulled over after spotting the police activity.
"I just saw someone in handcuffs and cops looking through the vehicle," Randolph told Cowboy State Daily just before 4 p.m.
What she witnessed was the aftermath of what police say began just minutes earlier.
Armed Robbery
According to the Cheyenne Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:06 p.m. Wednesday to a report of an armed robbery at Ace Hardware, 3505 E. Lincolnway.
They located three people believed to have been involved in the robbery and took them into custody, police said. Officers also recovered firearms.
No injuries were reported.
"Officers do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community at this time," the department said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.
Police have not yet identified the three people who were arrested or announced what criminal charges they may face.
Authorities also have not released details about what happened before officers arrived, what property may have been taken, or whether the victim and suspects knew one another.
Firearms Recovered
Earlier emergency dispatch traffic indicated the robbery was reported in the Ace Hardware parking lot and that officers were searching for a vehicle believed to be connected to the crime before making the arrests.
The investigation drew a significant law enforcement presence to the area, with patrol vehicles from multiple directions converging.
Witnesses watched as officers secured the scene, detained at least one person and searched a vehicle while investigators worked nearby.
As investigators continue gathering evidence, authorities have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
Police also have not yet said what led to the robbery.
Kolby Fedore can be reached at kolby@cowboystatedaily.com.
