Cheyenne driver charged with felony after fighting with police at crash scene

Chaundra Barkell, 40, faces a felony charge and multiple misdemeanors following a physical confrontation with police officers at a vehicle collision in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The incident occurred on Nov. 2, and Barkell remains in custody as of midday on Nov. 4 without a scheduled preliminary hearing or bond hearing.

Police have charged Barkell with interference with a police officer causing bodily injury, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. She also faces misdemeanor charges for reckless driving, resisting arrest, and failure to stop causing damage. These lesser offenses carry lighter potential sentences than the felony count.

According to the criminal affidavit, the conflict began when Barkell, driving a Jeep, followed a bus down Campstool Road in east Cheyenne. Witnesses described her driving erratically and honking at the bus. A Toyota pickup truck was driving behind her when Barkell stopped in the middle of the road before pulling onto a side street and stopping again. The driver of the Toyota attempted to pass, but Barkell reportedly drove into the side of the truck. She then drove away until the Toyota accelerated and rear-ended her Jeep.

When officers arrived, they found Barkell inside her vehicle. The affidavit states she refused to exit the car and ignored repeated requests to roll down her window. She eventually lowered the glass partially but still did not comply with commands to leave the vehicle. One officer tried to open the door, at which point Barkell began kicking him. She then punched him in the face and chest and bit him on the shoulder, breaking the skin.

A second officer broke the passenger side window to gain control of Barkell from behind. While attempting to handcuff her, he was cut multiple times by the broken glass. Barkell reportedly became rigid to prevent officers from removing her from the car. She was placed in a WRAP restraint and transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for treatment.

During transport, Barkell told officers that she was following the bus because she believed it was an ambulance headed to the hospital. She claimed the Toyota driver turned in front of her to block her path, prompting her to hit the truck.