Sheriff’s report: Out of state driver expresses concern about grizzlies in area

The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office received the following calls for the week of December 22 - 28:

December 22: 1:06 a.m. - Sheriff’s deputies provided routine patrol of the Cowley Airport.

Extra patrol was provided at several cemeteries in the north end of Big Horn County throughout the day. 

10:26 a.m. - A caller reported seeing a truck with out of state plates pulled over on the side of the road on Hwy 32 near Lovell. The driver had a handgun visible near the truck. Upon investigation, deputies learned that the driver was concerned there may be grizzlies in the area and had the handgun out of the vehicle for protection. It’s possible the driver may have been confused by the Rocky Mountain High School grizzly mascot signage in the area.

Deputies conducted routine business checks on local businesses in the area throughout the day.

3:09 p.m. - Deputies received a report of several small goats on the highway near Byron. A deputy honked the horn on his vehicle, and the goats ran home in response.

4:31 p.m. - Sheriff’s deputies received a report of a traffic sign destroyed in Cowley. Replacement of the sign has been ordered. It is unclear who damaged the sign.

7 p.m. - Deputies took a report of an incident where someone delivering a Christmas tree was bit by a dog on the property. No charges were filed. 

10 p.m. A deputy assisted a driver who had a flat tire on Hwy 32 near Road 9. 

December 23: 9:42 a.m. - A property owner called to ask if it was legal to bury two old horses on their property. They were informed that it is legal if the animals are buried a legally determined distance away from water and a legally determined number of feet underground.

2:39 p.m. - Deputies received a report regarding a railroad crossing, where the crossing barriers were stuck in the down position obstructing traffic. Railroad officials were called and rectified the problem.

2:45 p.m. - Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash near the Wyoming Port of Entry in Frannie. The crash involved a truck and an SUV. Emergency vehicles were on the scene to evaluate injuries sustained by two people.

4:39 p.m. - Deputies received a report of livestock on Hwy 14A near Byron. The owner was contacted.

5:31 p.m. - A deputy responded to a REDDI report of a driver “all over the road.” The deputy was unable to locate the vehicle as it had apparently crossed over the line into Park County. Park County officials were notified.

Deputies have stepped up patrol of areas where suspected sex offender Anthony Pease sightings have been reported. 

December 24: 10:39 a.m. - A wounded goose found in Byron was reported to Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

2:35 p.m. - A horse was reported loose on Hwy 14A near Lovell. The owner was contacted.

5:31 p.m. - Deputies responded to a hit and run accident on Main St. in Lovell. Christopher Chadwick of Cowley was arrested for DUI. The incident involved a parked car, and there were no injuries reported.

9:48 p.m. - The owner of a dog was cited for vicious dog at large after the dog attacked some domestic chickens near Lovell Lake.

December 25: 2:01 p.m. - Four black cows were reported on the road on Hwy 32 near Lovell. The owner of the animals was contacted.

December 27: 3:01 p.m. - Deputies were alerted to an open door at an abandoned motel in Byron. The door had been open for years.

3:41 p.m. - Deputies were unable to locate a horse that was reported to be tangled in a fence on Hwy 14A near Lovell. 

December 28: 2:48 p.m. -  Deputies investigated a REDDI report of an erratic driver near the Frannie Post Office. They talked to the driver who said he was driving that way because he is very old. No citation was issued.

Note: The above calls were received by the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office. Persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and charges made upon initial arrest may be amended or dismissed as determined by the County Attorney.