Cheyenne Man Hit With Felony After Taking Grandma’s Kia, Crashing

An 18-year-old Cheyenne man is facing charges, including a felony theft charge, after reportedly taking his grandmother's vehicle and crashing it into a curb at McDonald's.

According to a booking sheet, it all started around 2:49 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, after police were called to a hit-and-run at the McDonald's at 3410 Dell Range Blvd.

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Hit-and-Run Call Leads to Felony Arrest

Police say they found the suspect vehicle, a black Kia Rondo which had damage to both front tires and the driver's side wheel well, turning westbound onto Dell Range Boulevard from Hilltop Avenue.

Police say the driver, Vincent Christopher Gardea, was also driving without his headlights on.

Police say Gardea told them that he hit a curb at the McDonald's as he was driving through the parking lot, and that his grandmother owned the vehicle, didn't know he had it, and hadn't given him permission to take it.

Police say Gardea was unable to show them proof of insurance on the vehicle, and was driving without a driver's license.

When asked why he didn't stay at the McDonald's where he crashed and call them, police say Gardea told them that he was scared and wanted to drive home to change the tires.

Police say Gardea's grandmother told them that she didn't know that Gardea took her vehicle, that she didn't give him permission to take it, and that she had never given him permission to take her vehicle.

Gardea was taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where he was cleared for jail, then booked into the Laramie County Detention Center.

Gardea Charged

Gardea was subsequently charged with felony theft, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both.

He was also charged with two misdemeanors, including no valid driver's license and property destruction.

Bond Set at $1K at 10%

Gardea made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on Friday, March 28, during which his bond was set at $1,000 at 10% and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m.

Please remember that all suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.