Deputies, troopers honored for capture of 2 armed inmates

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A Wyoming sheriff honored 16 law enforcement officers involved in the capture of two killers who escaped from a Utah jail and led authorities on a high-speed chase days later.

Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell presented his agency's Combat Cross to Cpl. Mike Picerno, who shot and injured one of the inmates -- the only shot fired in the encounter.

Danny Gallegos and Juan Diaz-Arevalo escaped from the Daggett County jail on Sept. 23, a breach that led the state to briefly call back many of its inmates from county jails.

The inmates had firearms and a SUV when they were captured six days later. They took the guns and vehicle from a retired police officer and tied him up in his trailer. Bill Johnson later freed himself.

Haskell gave a Distinguished Letter of Commendation to deputy Cody Ruiz, the first to spot the stolen Ford Explorer. Ruiz chased the escapees on Interstate 80 between Green River and Rock Springs.

Wyoming trooper Adam Davies, who laid down tire spikes on the highway, also was honored. Others from the Wyoming highway patrol and Green River and Rock Springs police departments were credited for tackling the inmates and other roles.