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.
Driving with a Revoked License, Providing False Information
GIRDWOOD—July 17 at approximately 11:52 p.m., Troopers stopped a 2008 Dodge Caliber for speeding and erratic driving near mi 107 Seward Highway. An investigation revealed the driver, Christian Wayne Geurin, age 39 of Anchorage, provided a false name to the Trooper, was driving with a Revoked Driver’s License, and possessed Heroin. Geurin was arrested for False Information, DWLR, and MICS III, and was remanded to the Anchorage Jail, held on $5,000 bail.
Motor Vehicle Crash
HOPE—July 19 at 4:35 p.m., Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles near mile 62.5 of the Seward Highway. The crash investigation determined Heather M. Gust (age 27 of Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, AK) was operating a mid 2000’s sport utility vehicle traveling northbound in the number one lane. Gary W. Setten, age 52 of Chugiak, was operating an early 2000’s sport utility vehicle traveling behind Gust. Gust was forced to brake suddenly for a northbound vehicle in front of her that was slowing to make a right turn into a pull-out. When Gust skidded to a stop Setten was unable to avoid or stop his vehicle from crashing into the rear of Gust’s vehicle. Both vehicles sustained more than $500 of impact damage each and both vehicles had to be towed from the scene. All occupants were wearing seat belts and there were no injuries. Setten was issued a traffic citation for Drivers To Exercise Due Care To Avoid Collision.
Motor Vehicle Crash
HOPE—July 19 at 6:18 p.m., Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles near mile 58.5 of the Seward Highway. The crash investigation determined Chelsea J. Leppanen, age 21 of Sutton, was operating a late 2000’s sport utility vehicle traveling northbound. Johnny Rhode, age 27 of Anchorage, was operating a late 90’s passenger car traveling northbound behind Leppanen. Leppanen slowed and was more than half way into a left turn into a pull-out on the southbound side of the highway. Rhode observed Leppanen’s vehicle slowing and he attempted to pass the vehicle on the left. The right front corner of Rhode’s vehicle struck the left front corner of Leppanen’s vehicle. Both vehicles sustained more than $500 impact damage and both had to be towed from the scene. All occupants were wearing seat belts and there were no injures. Rhode was issued a traffic citation for Drivers To Exercise Due Care To Avoid Collision.
Driving While License Suspended
GIRDWOOD—July 22 at around 5 p.m., Troopers contacted a black GMC SUV for a moving violation near mile 95 of the Seward Highway in the safety corridor. Investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle, Lisa Makoni, age 32, of Anchorage, was operating the vehicle with a suspended drivers license. Makoni was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLS. The driver was also cited for the moving violation. The vehicle was released to a passenger who had a valid license.
Driving While License Suspended
COOPER LANDING—July 21 at 12:34 p.m., Troopers stopped a 2008 GMC pickup for speeding at mile 39 Sterling Highway near Cooper Landing. The driver was identified as Ronald Sarrys, age 34 of Washington. An investigation revealed that Sarrys was driving with a suspended license. Sarrys was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLS and released on scene to a licensed driver. Sarrys was also issued a citation for speeding.
Misconduct Involving Weapons
GIRDWOOD—July 23 at around 9:18 p.m., Troopers responded to Glacier Creek near Davos Road for the report of a intoxicated male with a firearm causing a disturbance. An investigation revealed Ryan David Rogalla, age 31 of Wasilla, was highly intoxicated and in possession of a shotgun, and made verbal threats in the presence of a person nearby. Rogalla was arrested for Misconduct Involving Weapons IV and was later remanded to the Anchorage Jail and held on $1,500 bail plus CATP.
Motor Vehicle Crash
PORTAGE—July 24 at around 7 p.m., Troopers responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash near mile 76 of the Seward Highway. An investigation showed that a vehicle being driven by Mantas Ziedas, 24 of Lithuania, had stopped in the roadway behind another vehicle that had stopped. Tyler Varnell, 26 of Seward, was traveling behind Ziedas and attempted to stop but was unable to stop in time. Varnell’s vehicle struck the rear of Ziedas’s vehicle causing damage to both vehicles. All occupants of both vehicles were wearing seat belts and no injuries were reported. Varnell was cited for failing to exercise due care to avoid a collision. Both vehicles were able to be driven away from the scene.
Driving While License Revoked
COOPER LANDING—July 24 at 9:36 p.m., Troopers stopped a Chevy Malibu for speeding at mile 44 Sterling Highway near Cooper Landing. The driver was identified as Aaron McClure, 22 of Anchorage. An investigation revealed that McClure was driving with a revoked license. McClure was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLR and released to a licensed driver on scene.
Domestic Disturbance and Assault
GIRDWOOD—July 23 at about 9:12 p.m., Troopers responded to domestic disturbance on Davos Road in Girdwood. An investigation revealed Susan Kathleen Jones, age 39 of Palmer, possessed marijuana and Carl Lee Jones, age 48 of Palmer, committed disorderly conduct and assault. The District Attorney’s office was contacted and advised no arrest and to forward charges on each subject.
DUI
COOPER LANDING—July 25 at around 9 p.m., a REDDI was reported on a Silver Chevrolet Cavalier that was swerving across the center line into oncoming traffic. The vehicle was located at the Cooper Landing Grocery Store. An investigation revealed that Jesse Premo, age 30 of Anchorage, was Driving Under the Influence. Premo was arrested and transported to the Seward Jail.
Motor Vehicle Collision
COOPER LANDING—July 25 at approximately 8 p.m., Troopers received a report of a Motor Vehicle Collision near the Russian River Ferry Crossing. An investigation revealed that Dominique Northcutt, age 53 of Anchorage, was traveling north bound when his 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser slipped on some loose gravel. The vehicle then entered the ditch where it rolled onto it’s roof. The vehicle is believed to be totaled. There were no injuries reported at the scene.
Non Valid Drivers License
GIRDWOOD—July 29 at about 9:23 p.m., Troopers contacted a tan Honda van for a moving violation near mile 94 of the Seward Highway in the safety corridor. An investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle, Willie L. Johnson Jr., age 50 of Anchorage, was operating the vehicle with a non valid driver’s license. Johnson Jr. was issued a Misdemeanor Citation for NVOL. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver.
Driving While License Suspended
GIRDWOOD—July 29 at about 8:50 p.m., Troopers contacted a gray Mazda sedan for a moving violation near mile 94 of the Seward Highway in the safety corridor. An investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle, Jason B. German, age 24 of Anchorage, was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. German was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLS. The vehicle was released to a passenger who had a valid license.
Motor Vehicle Collision
GIRDWOOD—July 29 at around 5:30 p.m., Troopers responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of the Seward Highway and Alyeska Highway in the safety corridor. An investigation revealed Pritam P. Pradhan, age 28 of Santa Clara, Cal. was driving a silver 2011 Chevrolet sedan traveling northbound on the Seward Highway when a red 2005 Ford SUV operated by Roger J. Wortman, age 62 of Eagle River pulled out onto the Seward Highway from the Alyeska and collided with Pradhan’s vehicle. Both drivers and a passenger reported wearing their seatbelts. A passenger in Wortman’s vehicle was transported by paramedics to an Anchorage area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Both driver’s reported no injuries. Both vehicles were a total loss. Wortman was issued a citation.
Non Valid Drivers License
GIRDWOOD—July 29 at about 4:30 p.m., Troopers contacted a gold Chevrolet truck for a moving violation near mile 95 of the Seward Highway in the safety corridor. An investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle, Hector R. Flores-Molina, age 28 of Anchorage, was operating the vehicle with a non valid drivers license. Flores-Molina was issued a misdemeanor citation for NVOL. The vehicle was released to a passenger who had a valid license.
Search and Rescue
GIRDWOOD—July 30 at around 4:44 p.m., Martin Bartz, age 59 of Chicago, IL, called 911 and reported he had hiked to the top of McHugh Peak and down the other side. Bartz was now off the trail system and couldn’t find his way out. Bartz provided a GPS coordinated obtained from his cellular phone for his location. A Trooper Helo-1 was launched from Anchorage. Helo-1 located Bartz near Rabbit Creek. Bartz was picked up by Helo-1 and transported back to his starting location at the McHugh Creek trail head. Bartz was uninjured.
