Wyoming Highway Patrol 1.22,2016
In less than one week, Troopers once again survived a near miss by an impaired driver during a traffic stop.
While investigating an impaired driver on January 21st around 4:30 p.m. at mile post 352 on Interstate 80 westbound (approx. 10 miles west of Cheyenne, WY), a 2012 Nissan veered across the fog line nearly striking several Troopers and patrol cars. Before a Trooper could catch up to the Nissan, it crashed into the ditch two miles further down the interstate at mile post 350.
Lisa Depiero, 54 years old from Hermosa Beach, California was arrested from the original traffic stop and has been charged with impaired driving, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, open container and speeding. Depiero was taken to the Laramie County Detention Center in Cheyenne.
Brenna Bahr, 25 years old from Fort Collins, Colorado was arrested after being evaluated at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for potential injury from crashing into the ditch. She has also been charged with impaired driving and taken to the Laramie County Detention Center.
As stated in the release from Jan. 19th from the similar incident near Shoshoni, WY, this incident serves as a reminder for everyone to be vigilant of impaired drivers at all times of the day and to report suspected impaired drivers in Wyoming by calling 1-800-442-9090 or 911.
We also want to express the importance of Wyoming Statute 31-5-224 that requires motorists to slow down on two lane highways and move over on interstate highways when approaching stopped emergency vehicles. This law not only protects law enforcement and first responders, but also the motorists they have stopped or individuals they are attempting to help.
