Alec Schaffer
aschaff3@uwyo.edu
Cheyenne resident Earl H. Mercer was sentenced to three to eight years in a state penitentiary for leading police on a car chase with a stolen van.
Mercer led authorities from Fort Collins into Wyoming where he was then arrested on July 16, 2015.
Mercer was traveling north form Fort Collins at around 70 mph until police spiked the stolen vehicle at mile marker 420. Mercer then accelerated to 80 mph after the stolen vehicle’s tires deflated. Mercer then began to slow down after the van’s tires began to fall apart, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Police then performed a pit maneuver on the stolen vehicle that caused Mercer to lose control and crash into a ditch around mile marker 18. Mercer then attempted to drive away; however, due to mechanical reasons Mercer was unable to escape further. Mercer was then ordered from the stolen vehicle at gunpoint and was forcibly taken to the ground before being arrested, according to the affidavit.
Mercer is believed to have been operating the stolen van while under the influence of alcohol and while under the influence of drugs, according to the affidavit.
Police responded after a 9-11 call was placed that reported the vehicle swerving all over the roadway.
Mercer claimed in court Monday his actions were out of desperation for help.
Mercer has been convicted of 18 felonies prior to Monday’s sentencing, none of which were violent. This was Mercer’s first violent offense.
Due to the extent of previous crimes in addition to the nature of Mercer’s most recent offense, Judge Jeffrey Donnell denied Mercer’s request for probation with rehab.
“Probation is not appropriate,” Donnell said.
Mercer will have the option of attending substance abuse treatment while incarcerated.
Mercer is also required to pay retributions of $19,000 to Fort Collins Heating and Air Conditioning for the damages caused to their vehicle Mercer stole.
