Man Stole Car Then Lit Himself on Fire in It, Cheyenne Police Say

A 40-year-old Sidney, Nebraska man is facing felony charges after reportedly stealing a car and lighting himself on fire in it following a traffic stop in southwest Cheyenne.

According to a booking sheet, sometime before 1:58 a.m. on Friday, April 4, police stopped a car at Ames Avenue and West Leisher Road and the driver and owner of that car was arrested.

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Passenger Makes Off With Car Following Owner's Arrest

Police say the passenger, Joseph Male, was told to wait with the car until the owner's wife could pick it up, but he didn't, he left in the car after the traffic stop concluded.

Police say the owner's wife called them and told them that Male texted her and told her he was taking the car to Denver without her permission.

She also reportedly told them that the car was parked on the third floor of Cheyenne Regional Medical Center's parking garage.

Male Lights Himself on Fire

Police say Male was in the driver's seat with the engine running when they got there and was non-compliant with all orders until he decided to light himself on fire.

Police say Male lit pieces of carboard on fire and placed them on himself until he couldn't handle the pain and stepped out of the car.

Police say Male was handcuffed and, while being escorted to a vehicle, tried to run. He was then placed in the WRAP and taken into the hospital for jail clearance.

Police say while at CRMC, Male falsely identified himself until an ID was found in his wallet.

Male Charged With Theft, Arson, and Interference

Male was then booked into the Laramie County Detention Center and subsequently charged with two felonies, including theft, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both, and third-degree arson, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, or both.

He was also charged with interference with a peace officer - no injury, a misdemeanor.

Bond Set at $3K Cash

Male made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on Tuesday, April 8, during which his bond was set at $3,000 cash and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for Friday, April 18, at 9 a.m.

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