A motorcyclist has been hospitalized after a high-speed chase that lasted more than 71 miles on Interstate 80 on Monday.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said the biker, riding a green Kawasaki Ninja, topped speeds of 165 mph in a failed attempt to escape troopers.
The chase began at around 6 p.m. near Elk Mountain when the motorcyclist was clocked at 110 mph going eastbound.
When the trooper began chase, speeds escalated quickly, as did the number of moving violations.
"The motorcyclist sped through construction zones, passed on the right shoulder, weaved in and out of traffic and reached speeds in excess of 165 mph,” the Highway Patrol said in a statement.
Frank Parelli, a driver from New Jersey, told Cowboy State Daily he was passed by the motorcyclist in a construction zone.
"First, the bike roared past our car like a f***ing green tornado," Parelli said. "There was no way he was going to outrun the radio. Not surprised at all the doofus crashed and frankly, I didn't care if he lived or not."
To keep the suspect from leaving the interstate, troopers blocked exits during the episode.
More than 70 miles after the chase began, the motorcyclist attempted to take at Vedauwoo Road at exit 329.
It was an ill-fated maneuver as the biker crashed, but somehow lived through it.
The Highway Patrol credited the motorcyclist’s protective gear, which included leather clothing and a helmet.
Although troopers identified the suspect, the name has not been released. Charges are pending.
Jimmy Orr can be reached at jimmy@cowboystatedaily.com.
