Wyoming Men Accused in 100-Car BB Gun Vandalism Spree

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Two Cheyenne men accused of shooting windows of more than 100 vehicles around the city in recent weeks face felony charges.

Defendants Nathan D. Connin and Jared W. Barker on Wednesday waived their right to have a circuit court judge determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence against them to go to trial. Prosecutors say the damage to vehicles around Cheyenne amounts to at least $30,000.

Each of the men faces two felony counts of property destruction. No date has been set for their arraignment in Laramie County District Court.

Laramie County Circuit Court Judge Roberta Coates said Wednesday that she regards Connin as "a serious danger to our community." Coates ordered bond for both men to remain at $20,000.

"The court is concerned about the safety of the community," Coates said. "The number of victims is quite telling."

Lawyer H. Michael Bennett represents Connin. "While we still maintain his innocence at this time, we are waiving the preliminary hearing," the lawyer said.

Bennett and Mitch Guthrie, Barker's lawyer, declined to comment on the case after the hearing.

Cheyenne police have said they have identified three other suspects in connection with the vandalism. They said that a 17-year-old has been arrested and charged.

Police arrested Barker and Connin after reviewing video surveillance from a Wal-Mart store that authorities say showed two men buying large quantities of BBs. According to court documents, Cheyenne detectives obtained the video from Nov. 7, the night before more than 100 vehicles were shot with BBs.