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
BIRD—On March 6 at 10:55 a.m., a Trooper responded to mile 98 of the Seward Highway for a motor vehicle crash involving injuries. A scene investigation revealed James Hickey, age 18 of Anchorage, had been driving south on the Seward Hwy near mile 98 when he lost control of his 2004 all wheel drive Subaru sedan on icy roads. The vehicle crossed the oncoming lanes and exited the roadway. It then rolled one time coming to rest upright. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The passenger in the vehicle, Geoffrey Harnett age 18 of Eagle River, received minor cuts to his right hand from broken glass. Medical treatment was not required. Icy roads and driver inexperience are believed to be major contributing factors in the cause of the crash.
Motor Vehicle Collision
GIRDWOOD—On March 6 , at approximately 1:36 p.m., Troopers along with an officer from the USFS and Girdwood Fire/EMS, responded to a motor vehicle collision near mile 82 of the Seward Highway. An investigation determined that a 2006 Chevrolet SUV, driven by Jonathon B. Egan, age 18 of Soldotna, was traveling northbound, got too close to the edge of the road and over corrected causing his vehicle to spin out of control and into the southbound lane. Egan’s vehicle collided with a 2000 Ford truck, driven by Phillip F. Culver, age 69 of Sterling. It required almost an hour to extricate Egan from his vehicle. Both drivers and a passenger reported wearing their seatbelts. All were transported to an Anchorage area hospital via ground ambulance and Life Med helicopter for non-life threatening injuries. Both vehicles were totaled in the collision. The investigation continues. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call the Alaska State Troopers at 783-0972.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—On March 7, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Trooper stopped a vehicle near mile 94 of the Seward Highway for a moving violation. The passenger was identified as Julia M. Blume, age 24 of Anchorage. Blume was found to have an outstanding warrant for Assault 1st Degree. Blume was arrested and remanded to the Anchorage Jail without bail until arraignment.
Driving With a Suspended License/Speeding
GIRDWOOD—On March 8, at around 4:25 p.m., a Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a late model Oldsmobile sedan for speeding 84 mph in a 65 mph zone near mile 85 of the Seward Highway. An investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle, Mamie Geffe age 24 of Anchorage, was operating the vehicle with a suspended drivers license. Geffe was cited for DWSOL, speeding, and for failing to provide proof of insurance.
Failure to Seal Black Bear
WHITTIER—On March 8 Dustin Sikes ,26, and Merle Sikes ,46, both of Wasilla, were cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Girdwood Post for failure to seal a black bear within 30 days of the bear being taken. Bail is set for $110 each at Palmer District Court.
Felony DUI/Reckless Driving
GIRDWOOD—On March 11, at approximately 9:25 p.m., a Trooper contacted a vehicle near mile 91 of the Seward Highway regarding a REDDI report (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately). The vehicle was driving in the on-coming lane causing motorist to swerve onto the shoulder of the highway to avoid a collision. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Kenneth J. Johannes, age 51 of Anchorage. Johannes was found to be operating the vehicle while intoxicated and DWLR. Johannes was arrested for DUI, Reckless Driving and DWLR. Johannes was remanded into Anchorage Jail with bail set at $20,000 cash and a court approved third party. The Alaska State Troopers would like to thank the motorist who called in the REDDI vehicle.