Jackson Police Arrest Alleged Armed Mugger

By GIL BRADY, Staff ink-stained wretch
Filed Aug. 7 at 7:21pm
Updated Aug. 8 at 1:50 pm
Updated Aug. 10 at 10:30am

JACKSON, Wyo. (CT)--A man driving a car with Louisiana plates faces at least one count of aggravated robbery after allegedly mugging and ripping-off a minor around 5pm Friday near Mike Yokel Park in East Jackson.

Police and booking reports show that James Joshua White, 26, of Alexandria, La., was arrested last Friday for allegedly robbing a 17-year-old at gunpoint.

According to Jackson Det.-Sgt. Todd Smith, on Aug. 4 the teen went to the Town Square looking for a ride to meet friends at Mike Yokel Park in East Jackson. After obtaining a ride from White, Smith said, White led the Pinedale, Wyo., teen to an undisclosed area near the park where he brandished a .38 Smith & Wesson and demanded money from him.

Smith said the 17-year-old gave White about $300 before White left the teen by the roadside. Using his cellphone, the victim called police and provided a description of White as well as the car White and his associates were driving. In a press release, police say they quickly shared this information with area law enforcement.

Sometime around 6 pm, Smith said, National Park Service officials stopped a car in Grand Teton National Park near Moran, Wyo., matching the teen's description. According to the Jackson Hole News & Guide, inside the car were another man and woman, who have not been charged. Park rangers arrested White. The News & Guide also reported that White was in Jackson visiting his brother and that the investigation is still open.

Smith said Jackson Police Detectives Trevor Aitken, Russ Ruschill and other officers traveled to Grand Teton Park near Moran where park authorities had detained White.

Jackson Police transported White to the Teton County lock up where he is currently jailed pending his initial court appearance, Smith said.

Under Wyoming law, aggravated robbery is a felony punishable by between 5 to 25 years in prison.

Stay with The Cowboy Times for updates to this and other breaking news.

Image of "Skulking Mugger" courtsey of Fiend Bear