Cheyenne Transient’s Latest Arrest Reveals a Troubling Pattern

A 66-year-old Cheyenne transient is facing serious charges after allegedly breaking into pickups to fuel his drug addiction.

According to a booking sheet, police arrested John Owen at a home in the 3200 block of Fir Drive at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

It's alleged Owen broke into two pickups, stole brake pads from the owner, and had 3.49 grams of methamphetamine on him.

Owen was booked into the Laramie County Detention Center and subsequently charged with two counts of felony theft, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both; misdemeanor theft, a crime punishable by up to six months in jail, up to a $750 fine, or both; and felony possession of methamphetamine, a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison, up to a $15,000 fine, or both.

Initial Court Appearance

On Friday, Oct. 3, Owen was seen in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge TJ Forwood on the charges.

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

An Extensive Criminal History

"Mr. Owen has an extensive criminal history," the state said. "In regard to the possession charge, I do see at least 10 prior possession of a controlled substance related charges or convictions."

The state also highlighted Owen's history of burglaries from 1979, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2013, 2019, and a pending burglary from 2025, as well as an open criminal entry, multiple contempt of courts from 1992, 1993, 2018, and 2019, two failure to appears from 1992, and a probation violation from 2018.

RELATED: Cheyenne Burglary Suspect Caught Tailgating, Hit With Felony Charges

"In his open matters, your honor, the state is aware that Mr. Owen fell out of contact with his attorney ... they have it set for must appear status conferences," the state said. "As Mr. Owen just stated, he does not have a phone number. The state has concerns over, again, his attorney's ability to contact him and remain in contact with him and comply with any conditions that this court might set while on bond."

"For those reasons the state believes that a cash bond is appropriate," the state added. "He was previously given a signature bond in the pending burglary case, and the state does not believe that is appropriate in this matter. The state would request a $10,000 cash bond."

Bond Set at $10K Cash

"That's exactly what I was thinking as well," said Forwood.

Get our free mobile app

Owen's preliminary hearing was set for Friday, Oct. 10, at 10:30 a.m.

"Sounds like you're having me prejudged," said Owen.

"You committed a criminal entry, going into a car," said Forwood. "You were in possession of stolen brake pads, fulfilling your meth habit. You have a history of this. I think $10,000 is more than fair."

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