Civilian uses lasso to subdue impaired subject fleeing police in fremont county
In an unusual display of community assistance, a civilian utilized a lasso to help police subdue an impaired subject who was fleeing on foot during a New Year’s Eve DUI Task Force operation in Fremont County. This remarkable event, reported by County 10 on Thursday, January 1, 2026, occurred during a police foot pursuit, highlighting an unexpected intervention that helped law enforcement quickly and safely detain the suspect. The incident took place as local authorities were actively engaged in patrols aimed at curbing impaired driving during the holiday period, demonstrating the public safety focus of the Fremont County DUI Task Force during one of the most dangerous times of the year for traffic incidents.
The task force was evidently involved in pursuing the subject after attempting to make an arrest related to driving under the influence (DUI). When the individual decided to flee on foot, the situation escalated into a dynamic and unpredictable chase. The intervention by the civilian, employing a tool traditionally associated with ranching and livestock handling, provided an immediate and effective means of restraint that likely prevented a longer pursuit or a more dangerous physical confrontation between the police and the suspect. This level of quick thinking and willingness to assist law enforcement in a potentially risky situation is highly commendable and underscores a strong partnership between the Fremont County Sheriff's Office and the local population. The use of a non-lethal, specialized piece of equipment in this context is truly unique.
Once the impaired subject was restrained by the lasso, officers were able to complete the arrest, taking the individual into custody without further incident. The successful outcome of this pursuit—attributed in part to the civilian’s decisive action—reinforces the importance of the DUI Task Force’s work in protecting the public from impaired drivers, even when those arrests involve foot pursuits. The story serves as a memorable anecdote from the New Year’s Eve operations, focusing local attention on the dangers of impaired driving and the unexpected heroes within the community. The subject faces charges related to impairment and likely resisting arrest, with the police investigation utilizing the civilian’s account as part of the overall incident report regarding the arrest procedure.