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.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—On June 27 at 11:20 p.m., a Trooper stopped a 2008 Honda Ridgeline for an equipment violation near mile 104 Seward Highway. An investigation revealed the passenger, Sandra Ann Romer, age 29 of Anchorage, had two outstanding warrants for her arrest. The first was for Failure to appear on a charge of NVOL, which carried a bail of $250. Her second warrant was for $2,500 from the Anchorage Police Department for trespass/assault/ FTA. Romer was arrested and transported to the Anchorage Jail.
Criminal Mischief
COOPER LANDING—On June 27, Troopers responded to the gravel pit at mile 49 of the Seward Highway following a report of people shooting construction equipment. Subsequently Daniel Brooks, 21, Matthew Currier, 24, and Shawn Lamaster, 20, all of Anchorage were charged with MIW IV and Criminal Mischief after an investigation revealed they were shooting rifles across then main entrance into the gravel pit and for shooting a water tank sitting in the gravel pit. The charges will be forwarded to the Kenai DA.
Search and Rescue
COOPER LANDING—On June 30 at 4:45 p.m., Troopers received a 911 call from Peyton Sparks, 34, of Seward to report that he lost power to his boat while on the Kenai Lake and he is currently drifting towards shore, and that he has four people on board. At 5:08 p.m., Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Trooper based from Cooper Landing responded from Cooper Landing and located Sparks approximately three miles north of the Primrose boat launch. Sparks and the other four that were on his boat were in good health and transported by Troopers back to the Primrose Campground.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—On July 2 at 3:55 p.m., Troopers stopped a 1997 Saturn after the vehicle was reported driving recklessly on the Seward Highway near Girdwood. Investigation revealed that the passenger in the vehicle identified as Corey Robinson, 20, of Cooper Landing had 2 warrants for his arrests. The first warrant was for Failure to appear, original charge shoplifting, with a bail of $200. The second warrant was for failure to appear, original charge of minor operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol, bail of $250. Robinson was arrested and booked into the Anchorage Jail.
Misconduct Involving Weapons/Reckless Endangerment
COOPER LANDING—On July 2, at 9:46 p.m., Troopers responded to the Princess Lodge in Cooper Landing for a report of a gun that had been discharged in one of the rooms. An investigation showed that Daniel Gerard, 44, of Homer, was under the influence of alcohol when he discharged a .44 caliber pistol inside his room. The bullet went through the wall into the room next door, which was occupied at the time. Gerard was charged with MIW 4th degree and Reckless Endangerment and released at the scene. No one was injured by the bullet.
Driving With a Revoked License
GIRDWOOD—On July 3 at 3:06 p.m., Troopers stopped a 2005 Yamaha motorcycle near mile 94 Seward Highway outside Girdwood for a moving violation. The driver was identified as Joshua M. Tracy, 24, of Chugiak. An investigation revealed that Tracy was driving while his license is revoked. Tracy was issued a summons for driving while license revoked and released on scene.
Driving With a Suspended License
INDIAN—On July 3 at 2:15 p.m., Troopers stopped a 2002 Chevy pickup for speeding at mile 101 Seward Highway near Indian. The driver was identified as James Stevens, 31, of Anchorage. An investigation revealed that Stevens was driving while his license is suspended. Stevens was issued a summons for driving while license suspended and a citation for speeding. The vehicle was released to a licensed passenger.
Marijuana Possession
GIRDWOOD—On July 3 at approximately 7:25 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle near mile 97 of the Seward Highway for speeding. The operator was identified as Randall W. Hawk, age 32, of Anchorage. Hawk was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Hawk was issued a misdemeanor citation to appear in court and released on scene.
Warrant Arrest/Minor Consuming Alcohol
GIRDWOOD—On July 3 at 8 p.m., Troopers stopped a 1996 Ford Sedan for speeding near mile 98 Seward Highway near Girdwood. Troopers contacted Miguel Myers, 23, of Anchorage and Jacob Hill, 20, of Anchorage in the vehicle. An investigation revealed that Myers and Hill both had outstanding warrants for their arrests. Myers' warrant was for $250 for failure to comply with probation, original charge of Assault IV. Hill's warrant was for $250 for failure to appear original charge of Minor Consuming Alcohol. An investigation also revealed that Hill had consumed alcohol while being under the age of 21. Hill was issued a summons for minor consuming alcohol. Both Hill and Myers were arrested and booked into the Anchorage Jail on the warrants.
DUI/Driving With a Suspended License/Reckless Endangerment/Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—On July 3 at around 11:30 p.m., the Troopers stopped a vehicle at Mile 97 of the Seward Hwy for a moving violation. The operator was identified as Machelle L. Yankovic, age 28, of Anchorage. Yankovic was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol, driving while license suspended and reckless endangerment for a five-year-old passenger. Yankovic also had an outstanding $1,500 APD warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving while license suspended. Yankovic was arrested and remanded at the Anchorage Jail where she was held on a $2,500 bail.
Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance VI
GIRDWOOD—On July 3 at 4:10 p.m., Troopers stopped a 1992 Chevy Pickup for speeding at mile 99 Seward Highway, near Girdwood. The driver was identified as Dale Barney, 20, of Anchorage. An investigation revealed that Barney was in possession of a small amount of marijuana in his vehicle. Barney was issued a summons for Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance and released on scene.
Motor Vehicle Collision
GIRDWOOD—On July 3 at approximately 6:10 p.m., Troopers responded to a report of a two vehicle collision at Mile 102 Seward Highway. An investigation determined Lisa Sealy, age 52 of Anchorage was traveling southbound on the Seward Highway and failed to stop for traffic. Sealy rear ended a Chevy pickup being operated by Chad Nylund, age 29, of Valdez. Damage to both vehicles is estimated at $4,000. Sealy was issued a citation for driver to exercise due care to avoid a collision.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—On July 3 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Troopers contacted Scott Karella, age 22, of Soldotna as a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a moving violation. An investigation determined Karella had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for failing to complete Community Work Service; stemming from the original charge of DWLR. Karella was arrested and transported to the Anchorage Correctional Complex where bail was set at $250.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—On July 3, at 8 p.m., a Trooper stopped a 1997 Ford Explorer for an equipment violation. An investigation revealed a passenger, Shannon G. Walker, 41, of Anchorage, had an outstanding $1,000 arrest warrant for Failure to comply with Alcohol Screening. Walker was arrested and later transported to the Anchorage Jail.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—On July 3, at approximately 5:14 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle near mile 96 of the Seward Highway for a moving violation. The passenger was identified as Lawrence J. Cotter, 58, of Anchorage. Cotter was found to have an outstanding warrant for Contempt of Court; original charge DUI. Cotter was arrested and remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was set at $750 cash/corporate.
Heroin and Marijuana Possession
GIRDWOOD—On July 3 at 10:40 p.m., a Trooper responded to Girdwood Tesoro for a traffic complaint on a 1988 Ford Ranger. An investigation revealed the driver, Justin Allen Kelly, age 23, of Anchorage, possessed Heroin and Marijuana. Kelly was arrested for MICS IV and MICS VI and
was later remanded to the Anchorage Jail held on $2,200 bail.
Warrant Arrest
GIRDWOOD—On July 4, around 11:55 a.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle near mile 92 of the Seward Highway for a moving violation. The passenger was identified as Jared E. Tufaga, 25, of Anchorage. Tufaga was found to have an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear original charge
Driving With a Revoked License. Tufaga was arrested and remanded to the Anchorage Jail. Bail was
Felony Eluding/Reckless Driving
GIRDWOOD—On July 4 at 12:18 a.m. Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle driving recklessly on the Seward Highway at high speeds near mile 95. The vehicle failed to yield and instead lead Troopers on a 30 mile pursuit at speeds up to 100 mph. The vehicle managed to avoid tire deflation devices used
in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle finally stopped near mile 64 of the Seward Highway after running out of gas. The operator, later identified as James Lee Bragg, 44, of Seward was taken into custody after Troopers were forced to break out the windows of the vehicle as Bragg would not comply with commands to exit the vehicle. Bragg was remanded to the Anchorage Correctional Complex where he was held for arraignment.
Motor Vehicle Collision/Fatality
SEWARD HIGHWAY—On July 4 at 12:01 p.m., Troopers received a report of a vehicle crash near Mile 74.5 of the Seward Highway. An initial investigation determines that a 2005 Kia Sedona Van, driven by Laura Wilson, 38, of Kenai was headed northbound on the Seward Highway when she tried passing two vehicles in front of her and hit an oncoming Nissan Titan truck driving south. The van then crashed head on with the vehicle following the Titan, a Ford Escape driven by 30-year-old Kimberly VanRoten of Anchorage. VanRoten was declared dead at the scene by Girdwood medics. A tire from the van then struck a third car traveling south, a 1990 Lexus. No one in either the Lexus or the Nissan reported injuries. The northbound traffic along that stretch of highway has one lane to travel while the southbound traffic has two lanes to travel. All three southbound vehicles involved in the crash were in the left-hand southbound lane, considered the passing southbound lane or the middle of three total highway lanes on that stretch of road on a hill. Wilson and her two children riding with her suffered what appear to be minor injuries and were taken via ambulance for treatment at a medical center in Anchorage. A passenger in VanRoten's vehicle, her brother Gary VanRoten, was airlifted to Providence hospital and was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Girdwood medics, Girdwood troopers, members of both the Palmer and Soldotna units of the Alaska Bureau of Highway Patrol responded to the scene. The scene was cleared at 6:15 p.m. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
DUI
GIRDWOOD—On July 4 at around 10:30 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle at Mile 93 of the Seward Highway for a moving violation (Safety Corridor). The operator was identified as Gary C. Westdahl, 47, of Anchorage. Westdahl was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Westdahl was transported and remanded at the Anchorage Jail where he was held on a $5,000 bail.
DUI
GIRDWOOD—On July 4 at approximately 1:25 a.m., Troopers stopped a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe for a moving violation near mile 101 of the Seward Highway. The driver was contacted and identified as Earl E. Whitt III, age 35, of Anchorage. An investigation determined Whitt to have operated his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the Anchorage Correctional Complex where bail was set at $250.
DUI
GIRDWOOD—On July 4 around 2:40 p.m., Troopers responded to a REDDI report at Mile 106.5 of the Seward Highway (Safety Corridor). The operator was identified as Catharine M. Nyman, age 43, of Anchorage. Nyman was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Nyman was arrested and remanded at the Anchorage Jail where she was held on a $500 bail with conditions.
Reckless Driving
COOPER LANDING—On July 4, a Trooper charged Karolyn Brady, 47, of Anchorage with Reckless Driving after AST observed Brady cross the fog line then veer back into her lane of travel then almost sideswipe another south bound vehicle. Brady will appear in the Seward Court at a later date for the above charge.
Marijuana Possession
GIRDWOOD—On July 4 at 7:45 p.m., a Trooper stopped a 2001 Dodge Neon for speeding near mile 94 Seward Highway. An investigation revealed the driver, Nathan N. Sison, age 21, of Anchorage possessed 30 grams of marijuana. A passenger, Daniel J. Robinson, age 21 of Anchorage, possessed 12 grams of marijuana. Both were issued a summons to appear in court for MICS VI and were released on scene.
No Insurance
GIRDWOOD—On July 5 at approximately 7 p.m., a Trooper stopped a Mazda pickup near mile 90 of the Seward Highway, which is within the Highway Safety Corridor, for a moving violation. Following an investigation Gregory Yoder, age 27 of Wasilla, was summons to appear in court on the charge of failing to have vehicle insurance. Yoder was released at the scene.
Trespass 2nd Degree/Harassment 2nd Degree
GIRDWOOD—On July 5, at around 12:13 a.m., Troopers responded to a Girdwood area residence following a report that Theresa Newman, age 29, was there and would not leave. Following an investigation, Newman was arrested for Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree and Harassment 2nd Degree. Both were crimes of domestic violence. Newman was transported to and lodged at the Anchorage Jail.
DUI
GIRDWOOD—On July 5 around 3:30 a.m. Troopers stopped a vehicle near mile 98 of the Seward
Highway for speeding. The operator was identified as David S. Olson, 47, of Anchorage. Olson was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for DUI. Olson was remanded to the Anchorage Correctional Complex where he was held on a $250 bail.
Search and Rescue
GIRDWOOD—On July 5 at 7:34 p.m., Soldotna Dispatch received a report from the International Emergency Response Coordination Center regarding a "Spot Beacon" 911 signal being activated in the Placer River area. The GPS coordinates were obtained from the company, which placed the site about 2.6 miles up the Placer River from the Seward Highway bridges. A Girdwood Trooper and US Forrest Service Officer responded up river with the USFS jet boat and located four rafters on a river bank. The rafters were identified as Christopher Ryan Rupert age 25 of Anchorage, Clyde Leroy Rupert III, age 62, of Texas, Debra Leigh Rupert, age 56, of Texas, and Joan Rupert, 57, of California. Two of the rafters flipped over a two man inflatable Naiad kayak into the cold waters and lost their boat and gear down river. They were able to swim to shore (while wearing life jackets) where they activated the Spot Beacon for help at about 1900 hours. The two subjects said they were hypothermic and wet until two unknown rafters came upon them and helped them make a fire. Girdwood Fire Department responded at the Seward Highway to provide treatment for the cold rafters when they were returned by boat to their waiting vehicle.
Reckless Driving
COOPER LANDING—On July 6, a Trooper charged Brenden Nickel, 33, of Sterling, with Reckless Driving after an investigation revealed he passed a truck pulling a travel trailer on the right hand side almost sideswiping the vehicles. Nickel will appear in the Seward Court at a later date for the above charge.
Motor Vehicle Collision
COOPER LANDING—On July 6, a Trooper along with Alaska Wildlife Troopers from Cooper Landing responded to mile 45 of the Sterling Highway following a report of a motor vehicle collision involving four vehicles. An investigation revealed William Stoltenberg, 21, of North Pole was operating a 1998 Peterbuilt pulling an oversize load traveling southbound on the Sterling Highway. Stoltenberg observed a bicyclist along the edge of the southbound ditch and moved over to avoid hitting the bicyclist. The oversized load crossed the center line into the northbound lane and collided with a 2007 Dodge pulling a trailer being operated by John Johnson, 63, of Minnesota, then collided with a 2001 Mitsubishi car being operated by Cera Powell, 27, of Oregon, then it collided with a 2008 Toyota Tundra then a 2007 Thunder jet boat being pulled by the Toyota being operated by 29-year-old Cameron Porter of Anchorage. No injures were reported and all vehicles were driven from the scene.
Motor Vehicle Collision
GIRDWOOD—On July 6 at 4:10 a.m., a Trooper responded to mile 108 Seward Highway for a single vehicle collision. An investigation revealed Anna Bitter, age 62 of California, was traveling northbound when she fell asleep and struck the guard rail totaling a 2009 Nissan sedan. Bitter was treated and transported by Anchorage Fire to her hotel in Anchorage. An investigation continues.
DUI, Motor Vehicle Collision/Operating Vehicle Without Insurance
GIRDWOOD—On July 6 at 5:04 a.m., a Trooper responded to a single vehicle collision near mile 105 Seward Highway. An investigation revealed Gregory Dwayne Yoder, age 27, of Wasilla, was driving a 1991 Mazda pickup northbound when he lost control of the vehicle and hit about 200 feet of guard rail before going into the ditch on the other side of the highway. Yoder was arrested for DUI and Operating without Insurance. The vehicle was totaled. Yoder was transported to the Anchorage Jail held on $5,000 cash bail plus CATP.
Disorderly Conduct/Reckless Driving/Obstruction of Highway/Operating Vehicle on Roadway without Insurance/Resisting Arrest/Criminal Mischief V
GIRDWOOD—On July 7, at approximately 3:55 p.m., a Trooper responded to Timberline Drive in for the report of a reckless blue dirt bike driving 100 mph up and down the road. Steven Charles Benton Hvamstad, 39, of Girdwood, was contacted at a residence while on the blue motorcycle. Hvamsted became disorderly and subsequently was arrested for Disorderly Conduct, Reckless Driving, Obstruction of Highway, Operating Vehicle on Roadway without Insurance, Resisting Arrest, and Criminal Mischief V. He was also issued a citation for driving a Off Highway Vehicle on a Roadway.
Search and Rescue
COOPER LANDING—On July 7 at approximately11:00 p.m., Troopers received the report from Kelly Malahy, age 29, of Palmer, that a 12-year-old female, Emily Reast of Anchorage had fallen out of a tree near Barber Cabin and sustained injuries. The cabin was located four miles in from the Lower Russian Lakes trailhead. Cooper Landing Ambulance Corps, Cooper Landing Volunteer Fire Department, AST, and U.S. Forest Service personnel responded to the scene. On scene injuries were
identified as hip, chest, and shoulder. Reast was unable to be extracted from the cabin by helicopter and was transported out of the trail system using ATV's. Cooper Landing Ambulance Corps transported Reast to Central Peninsula Hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Search and Rescue
COOPER LANDING—On July 12, Trooper dispatch received a report that Steven Heinsen, 30, of Chugiak had become ill and is unable to walk while traveling to Trout Lake, which is a remote lake in Cooper Landing. LifeMed was contacted and launched out of Soldotna and contacted Heinsen. Heinsen was taken by helicopter back to Central Peninsula Hospital to be treated.
Burglary II, Theft II
COOPER LANDING—On July 12, a Trooper responded to the Kenai River Campground following a report of a burglary. An investigation revealed persons unknown entered the main office of the campground and took an undisclosed amount of cash from the safe. The investigation is ongoing.