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.

School Bus Slides into Ditch on Crow Creek Road

GIRDWOOD—September 13 at approximately 10 a.m., Troopers responded to a report of a school bus in the ditch near mile 4 of the Crow Creek Mine Road in Girdwood. An investigation determined that the school bus, operated by Christine L. Hodges, age 62 of Anchorage, was traveling eastbound on Crow Creek Road towards the Crow Creek Mine and ran over a couple of pot holes causing the rear of the school bus to shift to the edge of the road. The road then gave way causing the bus to slide into the ditch and up against two trees. The driver reported wearing her seatbelt and having no injuries. The other 32 passengers were evaluated by a school nurse and later transported back to Anchorage. Some of the passengers received minor injuries.

Driving While License Suspended

MILE 99.5 SEWARD HWY—September 16 at 5:30 p.m., Troopers stopped a red 2007 Dodge pickup near mile 99.5 of the Seward Highway for an equipment violation. The driver was identified as Brandon Clay Abbott, age 21 of Anchorage. An investigation revealed Abbott’s OL was suspended. Abbott was issued minor offense citations for equipment violations and a misdemeanor citation for DWLR to appear in court at a later date, and was released on scene.

Driving While License Revoked

COOPER LANDING—September 17 at 3:10 p.m., a Trooper stopped a Chevy pickup for speeding near mile 47 of the Sterling Highway, in Cooper Landing. The driver was identified as Robert Beal of Anchorage. An investigation revealed that Beal was driving with a revoked license. Beal was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLR and released on scene. Beal was also issued a citation for speeding. The vehicle was parked until a licensed driver could respond.

Motor Vehicle Collision

TURNAGAIN PASS—September 20 at around 8:30 p.m., Troopers received a report of a motor vehicle collision at approximately mile 68 of the Seward Highway. A Trooper responded to the area and contacted Mike Lewis, age 46 of Anchorage, Geraldine Burns, age 25 of Anchorage, and Gail Sheldon, age 31 of Shungnak. The investigation revealed that Lewis was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash and was driving unsafely. Lewis was issued citations for moving violations. Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash. All the occupants had minor injuries, but refused medical assistance. All the occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. All occupants were released at the scene and the vehicle was towed.

Motor Vehicle Collision

BIRD—September 20 at approximately 9 a.m., Troopers responded to mile 97.2 of the Seward Highway for the report of a single vehicle collision. An investigation revealed Matthew Hertel, age 41 of Bird, was traveling south on the Seward Highway in a green Dodge pickup. Hertel lost control of the vehicle, skidded off the roadway, stuck a gate, and overturned. Hertel reported wearing his safety belt and received no injuries. The vehicle was estimated at a total loss. Alcohol was not a factor.

DUI, Warrant Arrest

GIRDWOOD—September 21 at around 7:14 p.m., Troopers stopped a blue Plymouth Voyager near .5 mile Alyeska Highway for being called in as a REDDI Report. The driver was identified as Mary Blue, age 34 of Soldotna. A records check revealed Blue had an outstanding warrant for her arrest for Failure to Satisfy Judgment on the original charge of making a False Report. Further investigation revealed Blue was driving while impaired by alcohol. Blue was placed under arrest, transported to the Anchorage Jail, and remanded. Bail for the DUI and the Arrest Warrant totaled $2,000. Blue’s vehicle was towed from the scene of the stop.

DUI, Misconduct Involving a Weapon

COOPER LANDING—September 23 at 8:55 p.m., Troopers received a REDDI report of a silver SUV northbound on the Sterling Highway near mile 56. The REDDI complainant reported that the vehicle was crossing the centerline and almost caused a head on collision. Troopers located the vehicle stuck in the ditch near mile 52 Sterling Highway, at 9 p.m. The driver was identified as Christine Marquis, 50, of Kenai. An investigation revealed that Marquis was driving while under the influence of alcohol. Marquis also had a loaded pistol in the vehicle with her at the time of the offense. Marquis was arrested and booked into the Seward Jail on the charges of DUI and Misconduct Involving Weapons IV, where her bail was set at $1,000.00. The vehicle was impounded on scene.

DUI

INDIAN—September 25 at about 2:30 p.m., Troopers stopped a blue Chevrolet truck for a moving violation near mile 99 of the Seward Highway in the safety corridor. The driver was identified as Wayne Komakhuk, age 41 of Eagle River. An investigation revealed Komakhuk was driving while impaired by alcohol. Komakhuk was placed under arrest, transported to the Anchorage Jail, and remanded. Bail was set at $2,500. Komakhuk’s vehicle was released to a licensed driver.