Multiple Motor Vehicle Collision/FatalityThe Alaska State Troopers reported the following incidents. Any charges reported are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
GIRDWOOD—On Nov. 2 at approximately 9:39 p.m., a Trooper responded to a REDDI vehicle swerving on the roadway at mile 84 of the Seward Highway. An investigation revealed Aron William Haddeland, age 31 of Seward, was driving a 1997 Chevy Pickup while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Haddeland was also found to be in possession of a synthetic narcotic. Haddeland was arrested for DUI, Drugs, and Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance 4th Degree. Haddeland was later remanded to the Anchorage jail with a bail of $1,500.
GIRDWOOD—On Nov. 5 at 11:43 a.m., a Trooper responded to a motor vehicle crash injures near mile 110.5 of the Seward Highway. This section of the Seward Highway is within the Seward Highway Traffic Safety Corridor. The crash investigation determined Edward A. Vandenhoogen was operating an early 2000s pickup truck traveling southbound towards Girdwood. The vehicle lost traction on the icy pavement and went off the northbound side of the highway. The vehicle rolled once and came to rest on its wheels. Anchorage Fire/EMS transported Vandengoogen to an Anchorage area hospital for minor injuries. The vehicle was a total loss and was towed from the scene.
HOPE—On Nov. 5 at approximately 1:47 p.m. Troopers responded to a report of a motor vehicle rollover with entrapment at Mile 9 of the Hope Highway. An investigation revealed that Richard Gay, age 88 of Hope, lost control of his 2001 Isuzu Rodeo due to road conditions while traveling eastbound. The vehicle crossed the center line and rolled onto its right side in a shallow ditch, entrapping Gay and his wife Averill, also age 88. Gay’s vehicle sustained approximately $5,000 damage. No injuries were reported and both occupants were wearing seatbelts.
COOPER LANDING—On Nov. 11 at approximately 3:30 p.m. Troopers in Cooper Landing responded to the scene of a two car motor vehicle collision with injuries at mile 47.5 of the Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing. An investigation revealed that Aaron Tackson, age 41 of Soldotna, was northbound on the Sterling Highway when Chris Rodes, age 60 of Cooper Landing, pulled into the northbound lane of the Sterling Highway. Tackson braked, lost control of his vehicle, and collided with Rodes’ vehicle before colliding with a telephone pole. Rodes was issued a citation for failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision. Tackson was transported to CPH by Lifeguard helicopter to receive medical care for his injuries.
INDIAN—On Nov. 13 at approximately 2:00 a.m., a Trooper contacted Francisco Mejia-Calvillo, age 36 of Anchorage, near the intersection of Ocean view Dr. and the Seward Highway in Indian after a passing motorist reported that Mejia-Calvillo’s vehicle was in the ditch. Following an AST an investigation Mejia-Calvillo was arrested on the charge of DUI and eventually transported to the Anchorage Jail where he was held on a $250 bail.
Multiple Motor Vehicle Collision/FatalityCOOPER LANDING—On Nov. 13 at approximately 6:17 p.m. Troopers responded to a multiple vehicle collision near mile 61 of the Sterling Highway, which is approximately 33 miles north of Soldotna. Investigation revealed that a 2006 Ford Freestyle, driven by Micki Kobylk, age 56, of Sterling, was driving south on the Sterling Highway. Kobylk lost control and slid into oncoming traffic. A 2007 GMC pickup, driven by Michael Montanye, age 47 of Anchorage, was driving north on the Sterling Highway and collided with the passenger side of Kobylk’s Ford. Kobylk sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Montanye was transported to CPH for minor injuries. Both vehicles utilized Seatbelts and Airbags.
GIRDWOOD—On Nov. 14 at approximately 1:52 p.m., a Trooper responded to a motor vehicle crash at Mile 71 of the Seward Highway. An investigation determined that a 2000 Isuzu SUV driven by Helen V. Stewart, age 37 of Seward, was traveling southbound when she lost control and struck the guard rail.
Stewart reported wearing her seatbelt and having no injuries. The vehicle sustained approximately $4,000 in damages.