Cheyenne police are encouraging state lawmakers to enact stricter penalties for drivers who flee from police.

Officer Kevin Malatesta says recent pursuits like this Saturday's deadly chase down E. Fox Farm Road and last Wednesday's chase down Dell Range are prime examples of the need for tougher laws.

"It's only a misdemeanor here in Wyoming," said Malatesta. "In a lot of the country there are aggravated portions to eluding."

"There are certainly circumstances where it fits to have eluding be a misdemeanor offense, but when somebody's putting the public at risk by engaging in very reckless driving, causing injuries and causing property damage that should be a felony," he added.

Malatesta says he's hopeful the Legislature will take up the issue when they convene in January.

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