CHEYENNE, Wyo. — After a deputy from the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office verified that a Cheyenne man was in possession of a stolen car using a key fob, the man is now facing charges.
Following his arrest on September 5th, Jacob Robert Bahner was charged with motor vehicle theft and a felony Wyoming warrant.
A deputy was called to a residence on South Greeley Highway after receiving a report of a stolen car.
A gray Jeep Cherokee that had been reported stolen in Cheyenne was discovered in the deputy’s driveway, per a probable cause affidavit.
When the deputy arrived, he spoke with a man who was trying to get out of the back of a trailer and was later identified as Bahner. After being questioned, Bahner dropped the camouflaged bag he was carrying. A Jeep key fob was fastened to the bag.
The stolen Jeep in the driveway flashed its lights when the deputy pressed a button on the key fob, proving that Bahner was the owner. Bahner denied owning the Jeep and declined to comment further when questioned.
Bahner’s Wyoming ID card, which matched the photo, was found in the bag. Investigators were informed by Bahner’s friend that he bought the Jeep for $10,000 and that Bahner had arrived with it after 10:30 p.m. Additionally, the friend claimed that he and Bahner had unloaded military equipment into a shed from the pilfered Jeep.
According to video footage taken from a neighbor’s house, Bahner is seen backing the Jeep into the driveway as it arrives at the house at around four in the morning.
Until Bahner enters a plea or is found guilty, he is presumed innocent.
