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.
Search and Rescue
TURNAGAIN PASS—March 16 at 10:10 p.m., Troopers received a 911 call from Connor Maloney, age 23 of Girdwood, reporting that Ian LaCroix, age 20 of New York, had suffered a broken leg while skiing near Tin Can Peak in Turnagain Pass as a result of an avalanche in the area. Maloney skied out to the highway to call 911 for help. Ian’s LaCroix’s brother, Nathan LaCroix, age 28 of Anchorage, remained with Ian to provide First Aid. Cooper Landing EMS and Moose Pass Volunteer Fire Department responded to the Turnagain Pass area to assist with any injuries. The Rescue Coordination Center responded and airlifted both LaCroix’s to Providence Hospital in Anchorage. Ian LaCroix sustained non-life threatening injuries in the avalanche and was treated at Providence Hospital. Nathan LaCroix did not sustain any injuries.
Motor Vehicle Collision
BIRD CREEK—March 16 at approximately 6:20 p.m., Troopers responded to mile 102 of the Seward Highway for a report of a single vehicle rollover. An investigation revealed that Robin Bender, age 28 of Anchorage, was northbound on the Seward Highway. Bender lost control of his vehicle, crossed the oncoming lane and entered the ditch. The vehicle then tipped on to its side and came to a rest. Bender was uninjured and reported wearing his safety belt.
Assault, Disorderly Conduct
GIRDWOOD—March 17 at about 8:15 p.m., Troopers received a report of a fight in progress at the Alyeska Hotel housing unit, involving several people. Troopers went to the employee housing area and contacted Peter Loleas, age 30 of Girdwood. The suspect, Patric Rowan, age 19 of Anchorage, had already fled the area in his vehicle. Loleas stated that Rowan had come to the residence brandishing a pistol. A fight then ensued between Loleas, Rowan and a third person, Ryan Gelosa, age 21 of Girdwood. No shots were fired during the fight, but Loleas and Rowan received minor injuries. Rowan was later stopped by other Troopers responding to the scene and arrested on one count each of Assault 3 and Assault 4. Bail was set at $3,000 Appearance and $3,000 Performance. Both Loleas and Rowan declined medical attention.
Motor Vehicle Collision
MILE 88.5 SEWARD HWY—March 18 at 6:08 p.m., Troopers responded to a motor vehicle collision at mile 88.5 of the Seward Highway. Troopers contacted Andrew Walton, age 50 of Anchorage. Walton stated that he was driving north on the Seward Highway when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a guardrail. Walton’s vehicle was moderately damaged in the collision and no injuries were sustained. Icy road conditions in the area contributed to the crash. Walton was able to move his vehicle to the Tesoro Gas station, where it was later towed.
Driving While License Suspended
MILE 95 SEWARD HWY—March 19 at around 3:43 p.m., Troopers stopped a blue 1995 Ford Contour for a moving violation near mile 95 of the Seward Highway. The driver was identified as Jessica Hale, age 20 of Anchorage. A records check revealed Hale’s driver’s license was revoked for DUI. Hale was issued a Misdemeanor Citation for Driving While License Revoked and released. A licensed driver responded to the scene of the stop and droved the vehicle away.
Heroin and Xanex Possession
MILE 101.5 SEWARD HWY—March 24 at around 9:40 p.m., Troopers stopped a 1990 Cadillac sedan near mile 101.5 Seward Highway for an equipment violation. An investigation revealed the driver, Brandon David Wolf, age 30 of Girdwood, possessed Heroin and Xanex. Wolf was arrested for MICS IV and MICS V and was later remanded to the Anchorage Jail, held on $5,000 bail.
Motor Vehicle Collision
INDIAN—March 25 at 5 p.m., Troopers responded to a single vehicle collision on the Seward Highway at El Rocko Lane in Indian. Troopers contacted the driver of the vehicle, Kyle Miller, age 29 of Fairbanks. Miller was driving north on the Seward Highway when he lost control of his vehicle on the icy road, crossed into the southbound lane and crashed into a snowberm. A passenger in the vehicle, Katherine Nagel, age 26 of Anchorage, suffered minor injuries in the crash, but refused medical attention. All occupants were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. Alcohol was not a factor.
Warrant Arrest
MILE 99 SEWARD HWY—March 25 at approximately 10:36 a.m., Troopers stopped a green Pontiac Grand AM for a moving violation near mile 99 of the Seward Highway. A passenger in the vehicle was contacted and identified as Asa Turner, age 20 of Soldotna. A records check revealed Turner had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for Failure to Appear for Arraignment on the original charge of No Insurance. Turner was placed under arrest, transported to the Anchorage Jail, and remanded. Bail was set at $250.
DUI
GIRDWOOD—March 25 at about 9:41 p.m., Troopers with the Girdwood Bureau of Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a gray Toyota sedan for a moving violation near mile 2 of the Alyeska Highway in Girdwood. An investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle, Curtis W. Olds, age 31 of Montana, was driving while impaired by alcohol. Olds was arrested and transported to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $250. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
DUI, Refusal
GIRDWOOD—March 26 at around midnight, Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a blue Chrysler van for a moving violation near mile 119 of the Seward Highway in Anchorage. An investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, Stephen K. Lewis, age 62 of Seldovia, was driving while impaired by alcohol. Olds was arrested and transported to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $500. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
Warrant Arrest, Cocaine Possession, Operating a Vehicle Without a Driver’s License
GIRDWOOD—March 30 at 10:28 p.m., Troopers stopped a tan colored Lexus sedan driving on Crow Creek Road in Girdwood for a moving violation. Troopers contacted the driver, Jesus Cardenas, age 21 of Girdwood. During the investigation, it was learned Cardenas had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and was operating the vehicle without a driver’s license. Further investigation revealed Cardenas was also in possession of cocaine. Cardenas was arrested and remanded to the Anchorage Jail on the warrant and charged with No Valid Operators License and MICS IV.
