The following incidents were reported to Detachment E of the Alaska State Troopers.
Motor Vehicle Collision: On Oct. 1 at approximately 9:00 a.m., Troopers responded to a motor vehicle collision at Mile 90 of the Seward Highway. Investigation determined that a 2000 Volvo sedan, driven by Brittany J. Burch, age 22, of Wasilla, was traveling southbound when it hydroplaned in standing water on the roadway due to heavy rainfall. Burch subsequently lost control of the vehicle and struck the guard rail. Both Burch and her passenger reported wearing their seatbelts and neither reported being injured. The vehicle sustained approximately $9,000 in damages.
Shooting Brown Bear in Closed Season: On Sept. 29 Steven S. Gaynos, 37, of Anchorage, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Girdwood Post for shooting at a brown bear during a closed season. Gaynos was cited after he stalked a brown bear and fired at it twice with a black powder rifle by Palmer Creek Road in Hope. Arraignment is set for Nov. 1 at 9:00 a.m. in Anchorage District Court.
Driving with a Suspended License: On Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. a Trooper stopped a vehicle near mile 40 of the Seward Highway for a traffic violation. During the stop Paul Cook, 21 of Moose Pass, was contacted as the driver. A records check showed that Cook’s license was suspended for a driver’s responsibility fee. Cook was given a summons to appear in court and released at the scene.
DUI / Driving with Revoked License: On Oct. 2 at 6:15 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle near mile 36.5 of the Seward Highway for speeding. During the stop the driver, 46-year-old Peter Borge of Anchorage, was found to be intoxicated. It was also determined that Borge’s driver’s license was revoked and that he did not have vehicle insurance. Borge was arrested and remanded into the Seward Jail where his bail was set at $1,500.
Driving with a Suspended License: On Oct. 8 at 11:54 p.m., a Trooper contacted the driver of a 2002 Dodge Stratus near mile 113 Seward Highway for a moving violation. Investigation revealed the driver, Nikolay V. Pukharev, age 21 of Anchorage was driving while his license was suspended for failure to maintain liability insurance. Pukharev was released on scene after he was issued a summons to appear in court for DWLS and issued a citation for failure to show Proof of Insurance. The vehicle was released to a valid driver.
Driving with a Suspended License/Failure to Appear for Arraignment: On Oct. 12 at 6:27 p.m. Troopers arrested Andrew D. Hettinger (age 40 of Girdwood) on a $500 warrant for Failure to Appear for Arraignment. The original charge was Driving While License Suspended. Hettinger was contacted on an unrelated call at a business in the Girdwood area. Hettinger was remanded to the Anchorage Jail.
Vehicle Crash: On Oct. 12 at 4:53 p.m. a Girdwood Trooper responded to a single vehicle rollover at mile 99.8 Seward Highway, near Indian. An investigation revealed Katie L. Weniger, age 20 of Anchorage was driving a 2002 Dodge pickup northbound on the Seward Highway at mile 99.8 when she got distracted by a dog in her passenger seat and lost control of her vehicle. The pickup fishtailed off the highway and into the ditch rolling onto its side. Weniger reported wearing her seat belt and had no injuries. Damages to the pickup are estimated at $1500.00. No citations were issued.
Warrant Arrest: Sept. 22 at approximately 12:00 p.m. a Trooper stopped a vehicle near mile 100 of the Seward Highway for speeding 68 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. This area is within the Highway Safety Corridor. The driver was identified as Carol R. Hoelscher, age 42 of Anchorage. Investigation revealed that Hoelscher had a warrant for her arrest for failure to appear for a disposition hearing with the original charge being child neglect. Hoelscher was arrested and remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $1000 cash/corporate and a court approved third party.