Cheyenne Transient Goes Ballistic After Being Denied Cigarettes
A 53-year-old Cheyenne transient is facing a felony charge after reportedly shattering a door at a convenience store after being denied cigarettes.
According to arrest records, police were called to a vandalism at the Sinclair Gas Station at 2310 W. Lincolnway shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23.
Incident at Sinclair Gas Station Leads to Felony Charge
Police say an employee told them that a male, later identified as Edward Steven Bernhoft, came into the store to buy cigarettes, but was denied the cigarettes because his driver's license was expired.
Bernhoft then reportedly left and stood outside of the store screaming and cussing, disturbing employees and other shoppers.
The employee told police that she told Bernhoft to leave three different times, but he refused. He then reportedly began to approach her and yelled in her face.
The employee then reportedly closed the store door and Bernhoft proceeded to kick the door multiple times, shattering the glass on the entire door.
Police say the security footage confirmed the employee's version of events.
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Bernhoft was located about two hours later, after an officer called to do a welfare check at 410 N. American Rd. made contact with him.
Police say Bernhoft was verbally combative, had to be tased twice, and had to be placed in the WRAP. He also reportedly had a half empty handle of liquor on him and smelled of alcohol.
Bernhoft was taken by ambulance to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center where he was checked and cleared for jail, and subsequently charged with felony property destruction and misdemeanor interference with a peace officer.
He made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on Tuesday morning, during which his bond was set at $3,000 cash and his preliminary hearing and arraignment were scheduled for March 6 at 3 p.m.
Classic Cigarette Vending Machines
Gallery Credit: Tommy Carroll