May 9, 2023 |
Photo – Mugshot of Luke Vargas – Courtesy CCSO
A Saratoga man was arrested for shooting at “loud” WYDOT trucks.
On April 14th, 42-year-old Saratoga resident Luke Ryan Vargas was arrested for allegedly firing a rifle into the ground outside of the Wyoming Department of Transportation shop south of Saratoga.
According to court documents, Robert Cairns called the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office to report Vargas. Cairns said he was hauling sand through Saratoga when he spotted Vargas standing beside Highway 130 holding a rifle. Cairns said he witnessed Vargas fire the weapon into the ground as he drove past.
The next day, Cairns said Vargas came to the WYDOT garage south of town while he and other drivers were inside. Cairns said that Vargas allegedly had the rifle in the back seat of his vehicle. Vargas allegedly said he had fired the shot as a warning to the truck drivers because they were being too loud when they applied their engine brakes. A verbal argument ensued where Vargas allegedly brandished a pocket knife. Afterwards, Vargas left the scene.
Sergeant John Moore responded to the WYDOT driver’s call. Sgt. Moore took statements from Cairns and the other witnesses at the shop. Court documents indicate that Sgt. Moore was familiar with Vargas and had dealings with him in the past.
Sheriff Alex Bakken said Vargas was arrested for Reckless Endangering. Sheriff Bakken said, “He fired a rifle into the ground near the WYDOT shop and was in possession of a pocket knife but did not directly threaten anyone with it.”
Vargas was charged in Carbon County Circuit Court with Aggravated Assault for allegedly threatening Cairns with his rifle. Vargas was also charged with Stalking and Reckless Endangering. On April 26th, Vargas had his case moved up to District Court.
As of the reporting of this story, Vargas has not had an arraignment date set.
