Semi Driver Arrested in Fatal Crash

A Minnesota man is behind bars following a fatal hit-and-run accident on Interstate 80 near Laramie Sunday morning.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, 61-year-old John Valyou of Columbus, Montana was riding his motorcycle one mile east of Laramie when a semi driven by 59-year-old Thomas Vannest of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota struck and killed him.

Vannest did not stop after the accident and proceeded west.  Through witness statements, Laramie troopers were able to locate and arrest Vannest 29 miles from the crash scene.

Vannest was taken to the Albany County Detention Center in Laramie and has been charged with careless driving, failure to report a crash and failing to maintain a single lane of travel.  Additional charges are pending.