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, Leaving the Scene of a Collision
COOPER LANDING—February 20 at approximately 7:54 p.m., Troopers stopped a white 2007 Chevrolet Silverado near mile 74 of the Sterling Highway after receiving a report that it was involved in a collision near mile 46 of the Sterling Highway and left the scene without exchanging information with the other driver. Investigation revealed Trophily C. Kalugin, age 17, of Voznesenka was traveling southbound in the Chevrolet and passed a 2001 Ford F250, which was driven by Christopher Endsley, age 39, of Soldotna and was also traveling southbound.
When Kalugin attempted to complete the pass and pull in front of the Ford the rear tire of the Chevrolet struck the front bumper of the Ford causing damage. After colliding with the Ford, Kalugin continued to travel southbound until being stopped by ABHP. Further investigation revealed Kalugin and his three (3) passengers, Julian Reutov, age 17, of Kachemak Selo, Arseny A. Konev, age 17, of Kachemak Selo, and Faliley F. Kuzmin, age 17, of Kachemak Selo had been consuming alcohol.
Kalugin was issued citations for Leaving the Scene of a Damage Collision, Minor Consuming Alcohol, and Minor Operating a Vehicle After Consuming Alcohol, and Returning to Lane of Travel Before it was Clear with a court date to appear in the Seward District Court. Reutov, Konev, and Kuzmin were issued mandatory court citations for Minor Consuming Alcohol with a court date to appear in the Seward District Court. The vehicle and all four males were released to a licensed and sober driver.
Driving While License Suspended
GIRDWOOD—March 1 around 2:48 p.m., Troopers pulled over a black Ford sedan near mile 64 Seward Highway for a moving violation. An investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle, Jolynn C. Karella, age 31 of Kenai, was operating the vehicle with a suspended drivers license. Karella was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLS. Karella was also issued a citation for the moving violation. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver.
Driving While License Suspended
GIRDWOOD—March 5 at 1:12 p.m., Troopers arrested Drew S. Wimberly, age 25 of Newport, NC, for driving on a suspended Alaska driver’s license. Wimberly was operating a late 90’s small SUV type vehicle near mile 72 of the Seward Highway. Wimberly was contacted on a traffic stop for a moving violation. Wimberly was issued a traffic citation for the moving violation and issued a misdemeanor mandatory court appearance citation for DWLS. Wimberly was released at the scene and the vehicle was turned over to a licensed adult passenger.
Motor Vehicle Crash
GIRDWOOD—March 5 at 4:43 p.m., Troopers responded to a single vehicle crash near mile 79 of the Seward Highway. The crash investigation determined Amy L. Hanson, age 52 of Soldotna, was operating a late model small SUV type vehicle. Hanson was traveling northbound on a section of road where the roadway curves to the left. Hanson’s vehicle lost traction on the icy pavement and went off the northbound side of the highway. The vehicle struck and knocked down a large road sign. Hanson and her adult passenger were wearing seat belts and were uninjured. Hanson’s vehicle sustained more than $500 impact damage and was towed from the scene. Alcohol was not a factor.
Assault IV, Interfering with Report of Domestic Violence
GIRDWOOD—March 6 around 4:30 p.m., Troopers responded to mile 95 of the Seward Highway for the report of a female allegedly pushed out of a vehicle. An investigation revealed an Anchorage woman was traveling with her boyfriend Michael Locke, age 49 of Anchorage, in a vehicle headed north on the Seward Highway near milepost 95. An argument ensued and the woman was fearful she was going to get hit. She asked to be let out of the vehicle. Locke stopped the vehicle and allegedly pushed his girlfriend out of the vehicle. When the woman attempted to call for assistance, Locke was said to have taken her phone and left headed south on the Seward Highway.
The woman did not receive any injuries and declined medical assistance. Locke was located near mile 88 of the Seward Highway and arrested. The vehicle was towed from the scene of the stop. Locke was remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $1,000.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—March 7 at approximately 1:14 p.m., Troopers pulled over a black Toyota truck near mile 107 Seward Highway for a moving violation. A records check revealed the passenger in the vehicle, Joanna P. Koch, age 23 of Anchorage, had a warrant for her arrest for failure to appear for arraignment on the original charge of no insurance. Koch was arrested and remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $100. The driver was issued a citation for the moving violation.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—March 9 around 5:22 p.m., Troopers contacted a blue Audi sedan near mile 98 of the Seward Highway for a moving violation. An investigation revealed the passenger in the vehicle, Cody V. Rodgers, age 21 of Anchorage, had a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear for arraignment original charge of Driving While License Revoked. Rodgers was arrested and remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $250. The driver was issued a citation for the moving violation.
Motor Vehicle Collision
COOPER LANDING—March 11 at around 5:30 p.m., Whitney Lowell, age 26 of Anchorage, was traveling south on the Sterling Highway at approximately 65 mph. Lowell hit a patch of ice and lost control of her vehicle. The vehicle rolled over once before coming to rest in the ditch. The vehicle sustained minor damage and Lowell reported no injuries at the scene. Lowell was issued a moving violation citation.
