08/07/2026
If I could have a spirit animal…..
BREAKING NEWS:
Casper Man Arrested After Allegedly Installing V8 Engine in Lawn Mower, Leading Police on Chase Across Town
By Emma Brooks, Staff Writer
CASPER — A Casper man is facing multiple alleged charges after police say an early morning lawn-mowing session on Wednesday August 5th, turned into what investigators are calling “the fastest landscaping operation in Natrona County history.”
According to police, officers began receiving dozens of 911 calls at approximately 6:47 a.m. after residents near Paradise Valley reported hearing what sounded like “a Top Fuel dragster cutting grass.”
Witnesses told investigators the suspect had allegedly replaced the factory engine on his riding mower with a V8, complete with side exhaust, racing seat, and enough horsepower to “accidentally scalp the neighbor’s lawn two houses over.”
Responding officers located the mower traveling east on Second Street before the suspect allegedly accelerated onto Wyoming Boulevard, where police briefly lost sight of him after witnesses reported the mower reaching “concerningly impressive” speeds.
Authorities say the pursuit continued down CY Avenue, through several parking lots, and around the outer road near Eastridge Mall, where shoppers reportedly stopped to applaud what many believed was a promotional event.
The chase eventually made its way onto East 2nd Street, where the suspect allegedly ignored multiple commands to stop before pulling into the Walmart parking lot.
Police allege the suspect abandoned the modified mower near the garden center and attempted to continue his escape by commandeering one of Walmart’s electric mobility scooters.
Witnesses described seeing officers pursue the scooter at a brisk jogging pace as the suspect allegedly shouted, “This thing’s got another speed!”
The pursuit came to an end near the automotive department after officers deployed a Taser. No serious injuries were reported, although one officer admitted the mobility scooter “had a surprisingly tight turning radius.”
Investigators later recovered the lawn mower and discovered it allegedly featured:
* A 350-horsepower V8 engine.
* Racing stripes.
* Dual chrome exhaust stacks.
* LED underglow.
* A Bluetooth speaker playing “Free Bird.”
Police say the mower has been impounded pending further investigation and will undergo a safety inspection before anyone even thinks about starting it again.
The suspect has been booked on allegations including reckless operation of a lawn mower, felony disturbance of neighborhood peace before 7 a.m., evading police, and unauthorized use of a Walmart mobility scooter.
As with all criminal cases, the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
At press time, investigators confirmed they are reviewing security footage from nearby businesses after reports the suspect briefly attempted to order breakfast at the McDonald’s on CY Avenue without ever getting off the mower. Officers say the drive-thru employee simply asked, “Would you like hash browns with that?” before realizing the situation had escalated beyond company policy.
