1 man killed, 3 injured in Seward Highway crash
Photo Courtesy of Alaska State Troopers
On Saturday, Aug. 20, around 4:20 p.m., a head on collision at mile 84 of the Seward Highway killed one man and injured three others.
According to troopers, a silver 2006 Chevy pick-up truck driven by Ronnie Allen, 53, of Anchorage, was traveling northbound when it crossed the centerline into the southbound lane, colliding with a red 1999 Chevy pick-up driven by James Ries, 66, of Kasilof.
Ries’ wife and daughter were passengers in the truck. His 28-year-old wife, Supaporn, and 9-year-daughter, Ning, were both injured with non-life threatening injuries, said trooper spokeswoman Beth Ipsen. James Ries died at the scene.
Allen was flown by helicopter to Providence Hospital with serious injuries. As of Aug. 30, Allen was reported to be in critical condition, said Providence Hospital spokeswoman Crystal Bailey. (Update: Mr. Allen died in the afternoon on Wednesday, Aug. 31).
A LifeMed helicopter also flew Supaporn Ries to Providence with non-life threatening injuries, said Ipsen. The daughter was transported by ground ambulance to Providence Hospital. As of this writing, it was reported that they were released from the hospital.
All the passengers in the red Chevy were reported to be wearing seatbelts said Sgt Mike Zweifel who was on the scene along with 5 other troopers.
Allen was not wearing a seatbelt and was trapped in the vehicle for about 30 minutes due to the impact of the collision until he was freed.
The highway was shut down until approximately 9:49 p.m.
This is the second fatal collision on the highway in two weeks. On Aug. 4, Jason Small, 39, of Girdwood, was killed in a head on collision at mile 104.
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, Criminal Mischief Investigation
GIRDWOOD—August 12, around 5 p.m., Troopers responded to Girdwood Tesoro for the report of a hit and run. An investigation revealed Kelly Lynn Powers, age 32 of Whittier, was driving a Dodge pickup that made contact with Shawn Konrad Loberg, age 37 of Bird Creek, who was approaching the vehicle. No arrests were made. An investigation is continuing and charges will be forwarded to the District Attorney.
Possession of Cocaine and Methamphetamines, Misconduct Involving a Weapon
SEWARD HWY—August 13 at around 5:35 p.m., a Trooper stopped a 1993 Chevrolet Blazer near mile 61 Seward Highway for an equipment violation. The driver, Sara Rose Talamantes, age 24 of Seward, was arrested for two counts of Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance (possession of Cocaine and possession of Methamphetamines). The passenger, Muhammad Abdulmalik Wilson, age 27 of Anchorage, was arrested for Misconduct Involving Weapons V (for failure to immediately notify a Police Officer he possessed a concealed hand gun while in contact). Both were later remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Talamantes was held on $5,000 plus CATP bail, while Wilson was held on $500 bail. The vehicle was towed from the scene of the stop.
Driving Without a Valid License
SEWARD HWY—August 13 around 5:40 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle near mile 91 of the Seward Highway for a traffic violation. An investigation showed that James Hendricks, 29 of Anchorage, was driving without a valid license. Hendricks was given a summons to appear in court at a later date and released.
Criminal Mischief, Theft
GIRDWOOD—August 14 at approximately 8 p.m., Troopers received a report of theft and criminal mischief. An investigation revealed Bryan Michael Anderson, age 27 of Anchorage, parked his car at Falls Creek near mile 105 Seward Highway on Aug. 12 around 10 p.m.. When Anderson returned from a hike, he discovered someone had broken into his car and stolen his wallet and numerous items. An investigation continues.
DUI, Refusal
SEWARD HWY—August 17 at about 10:37 a.m., Trooper received the report of a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) on a black GMC pickup near mile 86 of the Seward Highway. The pickup was stopped near mile 90.5 of the Seward Highway. The driver, and only occupant, was identified as Jose Lopez, age 43 of Anchorage. An investigation revealed Lopez was impaired by alcohol. Lopez was placed under arrest and remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $1,000. The vehicle was towed from the scene of the stop.
Driving While License Suspended
SEWARD HWY—August 17 at 4:30 p.m., Troopers arrested Lisa L. Winter, age 34 of Eagle River, for Driving While License Suspended. Winters was contacted on a traffic stop for a moving violation near mile 77 of the Seward Highway. A records check confirmed, Winter’s Alaska driver’s license was suspended. Winter was issued a traffic citation for the moving violation and remanded to the Anchorage Correctional Complex on a $1,000 bail of the DWLS. The vehicle was released to a licensed passenger.
DUI, Resisting Arrest
GIRWOOD—August 20 at approximately 10:12 p.m., Troopers stopped a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 1.5 mile Crow Creek Road for a moving violation and a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) report. The driver, Mark Shamus Chapman, age 40 of Girdwood, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Chapman was arrested for DUI and Resisting Arrest. He was later remanded to the Anchorage Jail, held on $2,000.
Reckless Driving
SEWARD HWY—August 20 at around 10:15 a.m., Troopers received the report of a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) near mile 83 of the Seward Highway. The vehicle was described as a red semi-truck pulling a white trailer. Near mile 90 of the Seward Highway, Troopers observed the semi-truck and stopped it. The driver was identified as Colby Griffeth, age 59 of Houston. An investigation into the REDDI reports revealed Griffeth drove in a reckless manner. Griffeth was placed under arrest, transported to the Anchorage Jail, and remanded. Bail was set at $1,000.
DUI, Driving While License Suspended, Driving In violation of a Limited License
GIRDWOOD—August 21 at around 7:14 p.m., Troopers stopped a 1998 Audi A4 following a REDDI report of erratic driving. An investigation led to the arrest of Tracy Pitts, age 25 of Soldotna, for driving under the influence of drugs. Pitts was also found to be in possession of Spice type products, which was seized and will be forwarded to the crime lab for possible future drug charges. Pitts was also found to have a suspended driver’s license in the State of Nevada and was also required to have an ID installed in her vehicle as a result of a prior DUI conviction in Arizona. Pitts was remanded to the Anchorage jail on $2,000 bail.
Assault, Kidnapping, Misconduct Involving a Weapon
GIRDWOOD—August 25 at around 10:22 a.m. Troopers received the report of an assault that happened at 677 Crow Creek Road in Girdwood. An investigation revealed, John Deal, age 44 of Girdwood, assaulted a female in the early morning hours of Aug. 25 by causing physical injury to the female and threatening her with a firearm. Deal prevented the female from leaving the residence until the morning hours, when the assault was reported. Further investigation revealed Deal was a convicted felon and possessed a handgun. Deal was placed under arrest and remanded to the Anchorage Jail with no bail.
