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Man arrested in WY might be the one caught on video walking on Old Faithful

Posted at 5:15 PM, Sep 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-20 20:17:33-04

Gabriel Villalva was arrested after leading police on a chase through Cheyenne, Wyoming, on Wednesday.

According to radio station KGAB in Wyoming, Villalva is the man who gained notoriety after walking up to Old Faithful geyser and another thermal area in Yellowstone National Park last week.

Although Yellowstone officials have not released the name of the man caught on video at the park, court documents state that a man named Gabriel Villalva was cited in federal court on Tuesday in the district that includes Yellowstone.

According to Buckrail, Villalva was cited for disorderly conduct, walking off-trail in a thermal area, and two counts of interfering with agency function for the Yellowstone incident.

Court documents state that a man named Gabriel Villalva was cited in federal court in the district that includes Yellowstone.

The Cheyenne incident started after several people reported seeing a vehicle being driven recklessly through town, according to KGWN.

Police tried to stop him, but he sped away, leading officers on a brief chase. He finally stopped when officers put down spike strips.

Villalva then sat in the vehicle revving the engine, which led to the vehicle catching fire. Officers were able to get him out of the vehicle and firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. Villalva was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Cheyenne police have not yet said why they believe Villalva was running from officers, nor have they indicated what charges he may be facing.