Truck theft part of larger chase

At 1:04 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office received a report from Billie Jo Norsworthy, of a 2014 white Ford truck stolen from her residence. The vehicle was later stopped in Riverton, and it was discovered the driver, 43-year-old Christopher Mitchell of Cody, was involved in a chase leading across several counties.

It is believed Mitchell had a separate vehicle that he abandoned prior to taking the truck, and the pursuit originated in Park County before going into Washakie, Hot Springs and Fremont counties before he was finally stopped.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the Thermopolis vehicle theft, and the truck was spotted as possibly being en route to Shoshoni. It was later spotted in Riverton, and members of the Riverton Police Department made two unsuccessful attempts to stop the truck using spike strips.

Mitchell eventually found himself on a dead end street, and when he attempted to turn around a deputy pushed the front of his vehicle into the passenger side of the truck. Mitchell was ordered out of the vehicle, and complied without additional incident.

Though the incident saw speeds of over 90 miles per hour, and reckless driving in towns and on the highway, no injuries were reported.

Alleged charges against Mitchell include fleeing or attempt to elude, speeding and vehicle theft.