A Cheyenne man faces felony charges after police say a vehicle owned by his ex-girlfriend’s new partner was set ablaze in an incident investigators describe as involving a Molotov-style device.
Arrest and charges
Wyoming authorities arrested Seth Steven Hayes, 19, on June 23 near East 22nd Street and Seymour Avenue. He was booked on two felony counts: third-degree arson and destruction of property exceeding $1,000, stemming from a vehicle fire reported May 21.
Scene and evidence
Police who responded at 2:31 a.m. on May 21 found a badly burned truck near Seymour Avenue and East 22nd Street. Investigators located a brown root beer bottle near the vehicle that they said smelled strongly of gasoline and had a rag stuffed in its neck.
- Vehicle value estimated at about $10,000.
- Investigators say surveillance footage and social media tied Hayes to the scene.
- Authorities traced the bottle label to a local store; security footage showed a purchase of the same drink on May 17.
"he was going to blow up the truck,"
According to an affidavit of probable cause, a former coworker told police they heard Hayes make that remark on May 16. The coworker initially considered it a joke. Investigators also noted social media activity: Hayes reportedly shared a song titled "Let it Burn" about 25 minutes before the first 911 call reporting the fire.
Context and alleged motive
Court documents review a months-long pattern of behavior after a breakup in January. Police say Hayes harassed his former partner, leaving voicemails, placing ashes and a black rose on her vehicle and posting a video of a burning sweatshirt. The three people connected to the burned truck had previously worked together at a local trampoline park; Hayes had been fired in March.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January | Reported breakup |
| March | Hayes fired from workplace |
| May 16 | Former coworker reported hearing threat |
| May 17 | Store footage shows purchase of same bottled drink |
| May 21, 2:31 a.m. | Vehicle fire reported; bottle with rag found |
| June 23 | Hayes arrested without incident |
Local stakes
The charges underline how interpersonal conflicts can escalate to violent property crimes in Cheyenne. Arson investigations involve coordination between patrol units, local detectives and forensics to tie physical evidence and digital activity to suspects. If convicted, felony arson carries significant penalties and can affect public safety planning, local criminal justice resources and community discussions about harassment and retaliation.
The case remains in the local court system; prosecutors will determine whether to pursue the felonies as charged. Local residents with information relevant to the investigation were asked to contact police.
