Pine Bluffs Woman Charged With Breaking Police Chief’s Thumb

A 25-year-old Pine Bluffs woman is facing a felony charge after reportedly breaking the police chief's thumb.

According to booking sheets, it all started on Wednesday, Aug. 13, after the Pine Bluffs Police Department was called about a stolen vehicle in the 400 block of West 4th Street.

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Stolen Vehicle Call Leads to Felony Charge

Chief Austin Smith says officers learned the suspect who took the vehicle was driving it unauthorized and her name was Nora Elida Vega, who he knew to be suspended.

Around 1:30 a.m. the following morning, Aug. 14, Smith spotted the vehicle driving down West 4th Street and attempted a stop.

He says Vega got out of the vehicle and tried entering her house after orders to stop. She then resisted arrest and was taken to the ground, during which Smith broke his thumb.

Vega was arrested and taken to the Laramie County Detention Center and subsequently charged with interference with a peace officer - bodily injury, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both.

Initial Court Appearance

That afternoon, Vega was seen in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge TJ Forwood on the charge.

Forwood appointed Vega a public defender and asked the state for recommendation on bond.

"Ms. Vega has a probation violation from 2019 as well as another interference with a peace officer charge in 2019, however, that was dismissed," the state said. "She also has an interference with a peace officer conviction in 2022 and a failure to appear in Municipal Court in 2025."

"The state has concerns for the safety of the community as well as law enforcement officers," the state added, recommending a $1,000 cash bond.

Bond Set at $1K Cash

Forwood set Vega's bond at $1,000 cash and her preliminary hearing was set for Friday, Aug. 22, at 9 a.m.

Please remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.