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-Injury

MILE 81 SEWARD HWY—August 28 around 2:50 p.m., Troopers responded to a report of a two vehicle crash near Mile 81 of the Seward Highway. An investigation revealed that Carisa Wimer, age 26 of Anchorage, was traveling northbound on the Seward Highway. Linda Kupers, age 62 of Anchorage, was traveling southbound on the Seward Highway. Kupers failed to yield while turning left and was struck by Wimer. Wimer’s vehicle was estimated to be a total loss. Kupers’ vehicle was estimated to have $5,000 in damage. All occupants of both vehicles were reported to be wearing their seatbelts. One passenger in Wimer’s vehicle had minor injuries.

Reckless Driving

MILE 90 SEWARD HWY—September 1 at about 5:25 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle near Mile 90 of the Seward Highway after it was reported as a REDDI and observed driving recklessly. The operator was identified as Stewart J Andringa, age 27 of Anchorage. Andringa was found to be operating the vehicle recklessly. Andringa was arrested for Reckless Driving. Andringa was remanded to the Anchorage Jail where he was held on a $500 bail.

Warrant Arrest

MILE 41 SEWARD HWY—September 2 at 3:27 p.m., Troopers stopped a Chevy pickup at Mile 41 Sterling Highway for speeding. The driver was identified as Derak Ball, 26 of Homer. An investigation revealed that Ball had a warrant for his arrest in the amount of $750 for failure to appear, original charge of leaving the scene of an accident. Ball was arrested and booked into the Seward Jail. The vehicle was released to the passenger on scene.

DUI

MILE 102 SEWARD HWY—September 2 around 5:25 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle near Mile 102 of the Seward Highway for a moving violation. The vehicle had also been called in as a REDDI. The operator was identified as Rachael Sabado, age 21 of Eagle River. Sabado was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol arrested for DUI. Sabado was remanded to Anchorage Jail where she was held on a $1,000 bail.

Search and Rescue

GIRDWOOD—September 6 at 2:15 a.m., Jason Smith called the Soldotna Trooper Dispatch to report that Tina Halcomb, age 55 of Anchorage, Robert Halcomb, age 25 of Anchorage, and Bridget Halcomb, age 21 of Anchorage, were overdue from a hike, which originated at the Girdwood Crow Creek trailhead on Sept. 5 at 7 a.m. The Halcombs planned to be at the Eagle River Nature Center by 7 p.m. the same day. Smith waited at the Nature Center until 2:15 a.m. when he called the Troopers. The Halcombs were reported to be appropriately dressed for the weather conditions. On Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m. Helo-1 responded to the area, locating all three persons at 8:53 a.m. One of the party had an injured knee and hip. The Halcombs were flown to Anchorage, where the injured party sought medical attention.

Motor Vehicle Collision

MILE 107 SEWARD HWY—September 7 at approximately 5:50 p.m., Troopers responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash near Mile 107 of the Seward Highway. An investigation revealed that Douglas McMillan, age 35 of Georgia, was traveling northbound on the Seward Highway when a black bear ran into his lane of travel. McMillan collided with the bear. The bear died on scene and was given to a local charity. All occupants reported wearing their seatbelts. The damage to the vehicle was estimated at $2,000.

Warrant arrest

GIRDWOOD—September 9 around 4 a.m., Troopers arrested Ian Daniel Hourihan, age 21 of Eagle River. Hourihan was contacted in Girdwood on an unrelated incident. A records check confirmed Hourihan had a $250 warrant for Failure to Appear for a minor consuming hearing. Hourihan was remanded to the Anchorage Correctional Complex.

Search and Rescue

TWENTYMILE RIVER—September 9 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Troopers were notified of an overdue boater on Twentymile River. Barbara Wright reported her son, Josh Hoeldt, age 31 of Eagle River, dropped her and her husband off at a campsite on Twentymile River. Hoeldt left with the intention of returning with his wife and children. Hoeldt did not return and Wright became worried and notified Troopers. Troopers searched the area using a Helo-1 from approximately 11:39 p.m. until approximately 3 a.m. Due to increasing fog and lack of light the helicopter had to leave the area. The following day prior to resuming search efforts, a family friend located Hoeldt at a cabin on Twentymile River. Hoeldt and his family were not in distress. Hoeldt reported on his return trip to the campsite with his family, darkness prevented him from continuing. Hoeldt and his family spent the night at the cabin with plans to resume the trip in the morning. Hoeldt was unaware of the search efforts to locate him.

Motor Vehicle Collision

MILE 55.9 SEWARD HWY—September 12 at around 6:19 p.m., Troopers responded to a motor vehicle collision near Mile 55.9 of the Seward Highway. An investigation revealed Stanley Slater, age 70 of Maryland, was traveling South on the Seward Highway in a 2008 Dodge Charger. Slater was following a 2011 Coachman motorhome driven by Elo Myers, age 66 of Texas. Slater lost control of his vehicle and ran into the rear of the motorhome. All drivers and passengers reported wearing their safety belts and received no injuries. Damage to the motorhome was estimated at $1,000. The motorhome was able to be driven away from the crash. Damage to the Dodge was estimated at $5,000. The Dodge was towed from the scene of the crash. Alcohol was not a factor. Slater received a Minor Offense Citation.