On the record

On the Record policy

It is the Thermopolis Independent Record’s policy that all people arrested or cited under the “Accidents,” “Sheriff’s office” or “Police department” in the On the Record section are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. We print the names of all people upon their initial arrest.

Sheriff’s Office

Monday, July 26

7:28 p.m. Report of a fire at mile marker 125 on Highway 20 South in the Wind River Canyon. A deputy provided traffic control for the fire department, who were putting out a grass fire. 

8:05 p.m. Report of theft involving a 15-year-old male who was fishing at the Broadway Bridge in East Thermopolis. The male subject found a Days Inn key and hid his fishing gear while he dropped off the key at the motel. Upon return, his fishing gear was gone. Another subject saw a white vehicle and a known driver leave the area just prior. The deputy was able to reach the known driver at the courthouse and the fishing gear was returned to its owner. 

8:33 p.m. Report of a citizen assist involving a vehicle who lost its load and its items spilled onto the street. The deputy provided traffic control until the roadblocks could be removed.

9:07 p.m. Report of a theft of a motor vehicle involving a father whose daughter had taken his truck and he wanted it back. The truck was eventually returned. 

Wednesday, July 28

1:29 a.m. Report of trespassing involving a property owner who wanted a 21-year-old male who was in jail served a trespass notice. 

Thursday, July 29

8:52 a.m. Report of vandalism on a river water pump that services the Coachman Motel and houses for irrigation. The pump’s wires were cut and someone kicked off the panel below the base. The suspect is known. The event may have happened as early as October 2020. 

Friday, July 30

4:03 p.m. Report of trespassing where a subject on Black Mountain Road wanted a trespass notice given to a 71-year-old male subject.

4:57 p.m. Report of trespassing where a subject on Highway 20 North requested four trespass notices. 

9:40 p.m. Report of disorderly behavior involving a complaint that claimed someone violated the fire ban by lighting a campfire. The deputy arrived and found that campers were using a propane campfire, which is not in violation of the fire ban orders. 

Saturday, July 31

2:35 a.m. Report of a welfare check on a 78-year-old female at the request of emergency medical services. The deputy made contact with the subject at the Senior Apartments and she was fine; she denied transport to the hospital. 

12:20 p.m. Report of an accident involving a 71-year-old female subject who backed a camper into a neighbor’s fence. There was minimal damage to the camper and no damage to the fence.

Police Department

Monday, July 26

2:16 p.m. Report of an accident where a subject’s vehicle struck a parked flatbed trailer. A 61-year-old male was cited for failure to report an accident. 

Tuesday, July 27

2:49 p.m. A 48-year-old female from Texas was cited for possession of marijuana and speeding. 

2:57 p.m. Report of an agency assist where an officer helped the Department of Family Services with a child investigation that is still ongoing. 

5:27 p.m. Report of a citizen assist involving a subject living in an apartment complex complaining of smoke from a neighbor. The officer advised the subject that this is a landlord matter. 

5:30 p.m. Report of an accident involving a parked vehicle in a lot that was sideswiped. There were no citations. 

Wednesday, July 28

4:46 a.m. Report of a fire at 435 ½ Warren. There was no foul play. The fire was allegedly started by furniture sparked by electrical wires or equipment, not by cigarettes. 

8:34 a.m. Report of an open 911 call near the high school. A child called 911 by accident. 

8:45 a.m. Report of fraud via electronic theft using the Venmo App with a loss of $3,400. A report was made to file a claim. The chances of recovery are unknown.

9:30 a.m. Report of harassment where a subject was advised on how to block another subject. If the problem persists the police will attempt to get a hold of the threatening party. 

Thursday, July 29

9:55 p.m. Michael John Wells, 29, was arrested on a warrant for probation revocation.

Friday, July 30

4:11 a.m. Report of a suspicious vehicle who left the area of the 500 block of Broadway Street. The officer observed some chalk writing on the ground.

10:56 a.m. Nykomia Sparrow Whiting, 29, was arrested on a Fremont County warrant.

Saturday, July 31

1:22 p.m. Report of a burglary involving a subject whose prescription medications were missing. The matter is still under investigation. 

3:31 p.m. Report of harassment involving text messages. A female subject was advised on how to block a male subject. If the matter continues, the police will contact the male subject.

Sunday, August 1

1:17 a.m. Report of a fire that was unfounded. The reporting party actually saw light from the moon coming through smoke, which created the orange appearance of fire. 

8:41 p.m. Report of suspicious noise at the river. It was actually someone fishing. There were no issues.