Pine Bluffs woman accused of breaking police chief’s thumb

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Pine Bluffs woman accused of breaking police chief's thumb

A 25-year-old Pine Bluffs woman is facing felony charges for allegedly breaking the police chief’s thumb.

According to booking sheets, it all began on Wednesday, August 13, when the Pine Bluffs Police Department received a call about a stolen vehicle in the 400 block of West 4th Street.

Stolen Vehicle Call Leads to Felony Charge

According to Chief Austin Smith, officers discovered that the suspect who stole the vehicle was driving it illegally, and her name was Nora Elida Vega, whom he knew to be suspended.

Around 1:30 a.m. the next morning, August 14, Smith noticed the vehicle driving down West 4th Street and attempted to pull over.

He claims Vega got out of the car and attempted to enter her house despite orders to stop. She then resisted arrest and was forced to the ground, where Smith broke his thumb.

Vega was arrested and taken to the Laramie County Detention Center. He was later charged with interference with a peace officer – bodily injury, a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Initial Court Appearance

That afternoon, Vega appeared in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge TJ Forwood on the charges.

Forwood appointed Vega as a public defender and asked the state for a bond recommendation.

“Ms. Vega has a probation violation from 2019 as well as another interference with a peace officer charge in 2019, however, that was dismissed,” the state’s statement said. “She also has an interference with a peace officer conviction in 2022 and a failure to appear in Municipal Court in 2025.”

“The state has concerns for the safety of the community as well as law enforcement officers,” the statement continued, recommending a $1,000 cash bond.

Bond Set at $1,000 Cash

Forwood set Vega’s bond at $1,000 cash, and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday, August 22, at 9 a.m.

Remember that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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