CASPER, Wyo. — According to an Evansville Police Department corporal’s probable cause affidavit, a Bar Nunn man fled law enforcement at speeds exceeding 100 mph on bare rims after the spike-stripped tires disintegrated, then flew back at a pursuit patrol unit during a lengthy chase around and through Casper over the weekend.
Skyian Janeaux, 22, was charged with several misdemeanors in circuit court on Monday. According to Chief Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson, if Janeaux’s previous eluding conviction had been heard in state court rather than municipal court, she would face a felony charge.
Nelson told Judge Cynthia Sweet, “This is astonishing,” when recommending a $25,000 cash-only bond.
Janeaux pleaded not guilty and will have to hire his own lawyer because of the income he reported from his job at a solar panel company. Unless proven or pleaded guilty, he is presumed innocent.
According to Cpl. Mike Hawes’ probable cause affidavit, Evansville police responded to Butch’s Happy Days around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, to break up an altercation in the parking lot. He remained nearby and observed Janeaux, with his distinctive mustache, leaving the bar in his 2012 Dodge Ram at an estimated 35 mph in a 20 mph zone, according to the report.
Janeaux allegedly sped away east on Yellowstone Highway when Cpl. Hawes turned on the overhead lights, reaching an estimated 115-120 mph as they passed the Lathrop and Hat Six Road intersections, which are 55 mph zones. He also allegedly weaved into and out of the opposing traffic lane.
Janeaux reportedly made a U-turn and returned to the city. Casper police had spike strips set up on Hat Six Road, and all four tires were spiked as Janeaux turned south on Hat Six. The tires were shaved, but Janeaux continued to drive up to 100 mph on bare rims, according to the affidavit.
According to reports, the chase began on Interstate 25 and then continued south on Outer Drive, where it followed the highway around Casper’s south end, passing Casper Mountain Road, Yesness Pond, Wolf Creek, and the Mesa Plaza. Janeaux reportedly hit the curb several times while attempting to turn onto CY Avenue, from which he allegedly drove east into the city.
He reportedly drove around 100 mph eastbound on CY Avenue before turning onto West 13th Street, which eventually ends at the T-intersection with South McKinley Street, where homes have been struck in the past.
According to the report, Janeaux was unable to effectively brake the truck before it collided with a pile of debris between a shop and a camper. He reportedly ran for a few blocks in a cloud of dust before being apprehended by Casper police.
While speaking with Janeaux in the ambulance to inform him of his arrest and charges, Cpl. Hawes allegedly detected the strong odor of a flavored alcoholic beverage. Janeaux was taken to the hospital, where he reportedly refused to speak without a lawyer, and a blood draw was scheduled. After receiving medical clearance, he was transported to the Natrona County Detention Center.
The district attorney’s office has charged him with:
Fleeing or attempting to elude police
Reckless endangerment
Reckless driving
DUI: alcohol
Interference
Nelson also noted that Janeaux is on probation for a second-in-10-years DUI. Judge Sweet ultimately set bond at $10,000 cash only, and added that he is forbidden to drive without permission from his probation agent.
