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.
DUI/Motor Vehicle Collision
GIRDWOOD—Feb. 28 at around 11 p.m., a Trooper discovered a collision at Alyeska Highway and Alyeska View Road in Girdwood. An investigation revealed Christopher Charles Logan, age 30 of Girdwood, was driving a 1990 Chevy Pickup southbound on Alyeska View when he failed to stop and yield at a stop sign. Logan crossed Alyeska Highway where he was t-boned by a 1995 Ford Explorer driven by Jamie Lynn Merriman, age 26 of Girdwood. Merriman suffered a swollen left knee and denied medical treatment. The Ford Explorer suffered approximately $5,000 damages while the damage to the Chevy truck is estimated at approximately 3,000. Both drivers reported wearing their seat belts. Logan was not injured and was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and issued a citation for Failure to yield to a vehicle at an intersection after a stop. Merriman was issued a citation for No Proof of Insurance. Logan was remanded to the Anchorage Jail held on $2,500 cash bail.
Motor Vehicle Collision
COOPER LANDING—March 2 at approximately 9:10 p.m. Troopers received the report of a single vehicle crash near mile 39.5 of the Sterling Highway. An investigation revealed Rebecca Larson, age 55 of Sterling, was traveling south on the Sterling Highway in a green 2003 Ford Explorer. Larson lost control of the vehicle on snow-covered roads, struck a snowberm, and overturned. Larson reported wearing her safety belt. Larson was transported to Central Peninsula Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $5,000. Alcohol was not a factor.
Residential Fire
COOPER LANDING—March 4 at 1:30 a.m., Troopers were notified of a residence on fire near mile 50 of the Sterling Highway. Troopers responded with Cooper Landing and Moose Pass fire departments and Central Emergency Services. The residence and another cabin near the residence were a complete loss. The buildings were unoccupied at the time of the fire. An investigation is ongoing.
Motor Vehicle Collision
MOOSE PASS—March 7 at approximately 1 p.m., Troopers responded to mile 45.1 of the Seward Highway for the report of a single vehicle crash. An investigation revealed Kimberly Hewitt, age 20 of Seward, was traveling south in a beige 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. Hewitt lost control of the vehicle and struck a snowberm. Hewitt was transported to Seward Providence Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Hewitt reported wearing her safety belt. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $800. Alcohol was not a factor.
DUI
GIRDWOOD—March 12 at around 2 a.m., a Trooper stopped a 1990 Dodge pickup for an equipment violation near mile 98 of the Seward Highway. As a result of the ensuing investigation Rex McCaskey, age 44 of Indian, was arrested for DUI and eventually remanded to the Anchorage Jail with a bail of $ 2,500 and a court approved third party custodian.
Felony DUI/Driving with a Revoked License
GIRDWOOD—March 15 at 2:17 p.m., Troopers from the Bureau of Highway Patrol Kenai Peninsula Team-Girdwood, conducted a traffic stop near mile 111 of the Seward Highway. The vehicle was stopped for speeding in the Highway Traffic Safety Corridor. Troopers contacted the driver who was identified as Justin C. Eaton, age 35 of Anchorage. An investigation revealed that Eaton was operating a motor vehicle while impaired and under the influence of alcohol. Records indicate that Eaton has previously been arrested four times for felony DUI in the last 10 years, making this his fifth felony DUI. Eaton was over two times the legal limit of a .08. Records also indicate that Eaton has a lifetime revocation on his driver's license. Eaton was arrested and remanded into the custody of Anchorage Jail with bail set at $40,000. Eaton was also issued two citations, one for speeding and one for expired registration. Eaton's vehicle was towed from the scene.
