The Alaska State Troopers reported the following incidents. Any charges reported are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Motor Vehicle Collision
GIRDWOOD—On Dec. 18 at approximately 6:23 p.m., a Trooper responded to a motor vehicle collision near mile 99 of the Seward Highway. An investigation revealed that a 2002 Cadillac SUV driven by Patrick J. Rogers, age 62 of Anchorage, was traveling northbound, got too close to the edge of the road and was pulled into the ditch by the snow. The vehicle subsequently struck the end of a guard rail section. The driver reported wearing his seatbelt and having no injuries. The vehicle sustained approximately $8,000 in damages. Damage to the guardrail estimated at approximately $2,000.
Arrest Warrant
GIRDWOOD—On Dec. 21 at approximately 4:40 p.m., two Troopers contacted
Damon William Miller, age 33 of Girdwood, and Rodney Lewis Shupe, age 41 of Girdwood, at their residence on Hightower Rd in Girdwood for a warrant service. Miller had a $1,000 outstanding arrest warrant for FTA DWLS a and was arrested on scene. Shupe was arrested for a $500 warrant for failure to satisfy community work service. Both were transported and remanded to the Anchorage Jail.
Motor Vehicle Collision/Fatality
GIRDWOOD—On Dec. 23 at approximately 3:37 p.m., a 911 call was made to the Alaska State Troopers in Soldotna stating that there was a collision involving three injuries on the Seward Highway at milepost 102. Troopers from Girdwood and Copper Landing responded along with Anchorage Fire Department and State Parks. Investigation revealed that Nichole Johnson, 27 of Girdwood, was operating a black Saab heading southbound on the Seward Highway when she crossed the centerline. Her vehicle was struck by a blue Subaru station wagon driven by Savuth Chhin, 35 of Anchorage, traveling northbound. Both Johnson and Chhin received injuries in the collision and were transported to Anchorage hospitals. A passenger in Johnson’s vehicle, Meghan Murrell, 22 of Pennsylvania, was entrapped in the vehicle and unconscious when other motorist stopped to render assistance. CPR was attempted, but Murrell was unable to be revived. She was pronounced deceased on scene. Murrell's three-year-old child was also in Johnson's vehicle at the time of the collision. The child was not injured. Next of kin has been notified. An investigation continues.
Reckless Driving
COOPER LANDING—On Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at mile 40 of the Sterling Highway a Trooper charged Angelo Virgilio, 44 of Soldotna, with Reckless Driving after he drove into the oncoming lane causing a State Trooper to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Virgilio was given a summons to appear in the Seward Court at a later date for the above charge. Virgilio was also issued a citation for speeding 80 in a 55 mph zone.