Cheyenne Police Solve Multiple Cases With DNA, Community Tips

Cheyenne police are crediting DNA evidence and tips from the community for the recent arrests of two wanted Cheyenne residents.

According to Public Information Officer Alex Farkas, police on Feb. 2, 2023, received DNA results from an aggravated robbery that occurred at the Loaf 'N Jug at 3920 E. 12th Street in October 2020 and a vehicle burglary that occurred at a home in the 1500 block of E. 22nd Street in December 2022 showing David Herrera Jr. was their man.

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Farkas says one week later, on Feb. 9, a male subject was caught on camera throwing a hatchet through the window of a parked vehicle at the Redwood Lounge and stealing a purse left in the front seat.

"DNA was collected on scene and submitted for testing," said Farkas. "The camera footage was also shared on the CPD’s social media page."

• RELATED: Caught on Camera: Cheyenne Police Trying to ID Hatchet-Wielding Purse Snatcher

"Shortly after the vehicle burglary, tips from community members assisted with identifying Herrera Jr. as the suspect," Farkas added. "Detectives also received notification that the DNA sample matched the prior aggravated robbery and vehicle burglary cases."

Farkas says it was determined that the 22-year-old Herrera was staying at the Big Horn Motel at 2004 E. Lincolnway, and a warrant was served around 11:40 a.m. on Feb. 28.

"Upon arrival at the motel, detectives attempted to communicate with Herrera Jr., asking him to exit," said Farkas. "Other occupants surrendered and were removed without incident."

Farkas says one of the occupants, 47-year-old Bernadette Herrera, was found to have an active warrant for failing to pay on an original charge of second-offense DUI and was arrested and booked into the Laramie County Detention Center.

"Following several commands, the situation was brought to an end at 12:45 p.m. when David Herrera Jr. surrendered, walking out the front door with both hands raised," said Farkas.

Farkas says Herrera was booked on charges of aggravated robbery and vehicle burglary, and an affidavit of probable cause was later submitted for the vehicle burglary at the Redwood Lounge.

"This investigation is a great example of how our law enforcement team utilizes all means available – tools, technology, and community engagement to solve a crime,” said Chief Mark Francisco. “I commend our team for their perseverance in resolving this long-term investigation.”