Police say footprints left in the snow led to the arrest of a Cheyenne teen accused of burglarizing a vehicle early this (Tuesday) morning.

"Officers were in the 1600 block of Crook Avenue and saw some footprints in the snow (and) thought it looked a little suspicious," said Cheyenne Police Department spokesman Officer Kevin Malatesta.

"When they began following those footprints it led to two people standing in an alley," added Malatesta. "One of them was Dakota Ashcraft and then another associated individual."

Malatesta says Ashcraft took off running, but officers were able to catch him a short time later.

The 18-year-old was arrested for an outstanding municipal warrant, destruction of property, vehicle burglary, criminal entry and interference. Malatesta says the other person was interviewed and released.

"If anybody was a victim of a vehicle burglary in that area they can call dispatch at (307) 637-6525 and make a report," said Malatesta.

"Most of the vehicle burglaries that we get (are) a crime of opportunity," added Malatesta. "People just walk down the street pulling on car door handles until they find one that opens up and they'll take whatever is in it, so it's really important that people lock their car doors and keep valuables out of their car."

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