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.
Assault
GIRDWOOD—On Jan. 17 at 3 a.m., a Girdwood Trooper responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Girdwood. An investigation revealed an intoxicated married couple had been assaulting each other with a frying pan and an electronic stun gun, both causing minor injuries. The parties were separated, treated by EMS, and released on scene. Both parties will be charged with Assault IV and Assault III (DV).
Motor Vehicle Collision
SEWARD HIGHWAY—On Jan. 17 at approximately 4:20 p.m. Troopers responded to mile 42.5 of the Seward Highway to a single vehicle roll over. An investigation determined Rex Johnson, age 54 of Anchorage, traveled south bound on the Seward Highway in his 2003 Toyota pickup when he lost control on the ice covered roadway. Johnson’s vehicle left the roadway, rolled over and came to rest upside down in the south bound ditch. Johnson’s vehicle sustained an estimated $5,000 in damages. Johnson reported wearing his seatbelt and denied any injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in this collision.
Motor Vehicle Collision
COOPER LANDING—On Jan. 18 at 10:10 p.m., Troopers responded to a single-vehicle rollover near mile 49 of the Sterling Highway. An investigation showed that Michael Tallent, 26, of Kenai, had been traveling southbound on the Sterling Highway when he lost control of the vehicle due to black ice on the road. Tallent’s vehicle entered the ditch, struck a guardrail and rolled onto its side. Tallent and his passenger were wearing seatbelts and two children in the vehicle were restrained in child safety seats. All occupants reported minor injures.
DUI, Endangering the Welfare of a Child II
GIRDWOOD—On Jan. 18, at approximately 9:52 p.m., a Trooper stopped a 2000 Ford Explorer for an equipment violation near Alyeska View and the Day Lodge parking area in Girdwood. An investigation revealed the driver, Jolie Marie Lueth, age 30 of Girdwood was driving under the influence of alcohol. Lueth was arrested for DUI and Endangering the Welfare of a Child II. Leuth was later released to a sober adult after a bail hearing.
False Statement
GIRDWOOD—On Jan. 25, Douglas Chesebro, 19, of Anchorage was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Girdwood Post for making a false statement on his 2007 resident sport fish license. Bail is set at $310 in Anchorage District Court.
Motor Vehicle Collision
COOPER LANDING—On Jan. 28 at approximately 3 p.m., Troopers responded to mile 49 of the Sterling Highway for the report of a two vehicle collision. An investigation revealed Troy Haskell, age 41 of Seward, was traveling south on the Sterling Highway in a green 2002 Ford Escape. Richard Smith, age 50 of Anchorage, was traveling north on the Sterling Highway in a green 2009 Subaru Forester. Haskell rounded a curve in the highway, lost control, and struck Smith. Both occupants reported wearing their safety belts and received no injuries. Damage to Haskell’s vehicle was estimated at $6,000 and damage to Smith’s vehicle was estimated at $8,000. Both vehicles were towed from the crash by Hamilton’s Towing. Haskell was issued a citation. Alcohol was not a factor.
Motor Vehicle Collision
PORTAGE—On Jan. 30 at around 4:46 p.m., Troopers responded to a motor vehicle collision at Mile 79 of the Seward Highway. An investigation determined that a 2003 Chevrolet SUV, driven by George F. Hopper, age 48 of Soldotna, was traveling southbound when he lost control on an icy corner, went into the ditch and rolled the vehicle. The driver reported wearing his seat belt. The driver was transported by paramedics to an Anchorage area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The vehicle sustained approximately $8,000 in damages.
Motor Vehicle Collision
GIRDWOOD—On Jan. 30 at approximately 4:37 p.m. Troopers responded to mile 71.5 of the Seward Highway for the report of a single vehicle collision. An investigation revealed Jason Daniels, age 29, of Soldotna, was traveling southbound on the Seward Highway when he lost control of his 2009 Nissan Titan pickup. Daniels crossed the opposite lane of travel on the icy road, and collided with the guardrail on the northbound side of the roadway. Daniels’ vehicle had damages estimated at approximately $10,000. Daniels was wearing his safety belt and reported no injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in the collision.