Big Lake Man Arrested Twice for DUI in Three Days

Alaska State Troopers arrested a 40-year-old Big Lake man for driving under the influence twice within three days, according to dispatch reports released Wednesday.

Nicholas Bailey faces charges of DUI and refusal to submit to a chemical test following a traffic stop late Tuesday night in Big Lake. Troopers stopped Bailey at 11:44 p.m. April 29 and transported him to Mat-Su Pretrial, where he was held on $1,000 bail.

The arrest came just two days after troopers charged Bailey with the same offenses in Wasilla. On April 27 at 7:46 p.m., troopers responded to a Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately call on the Parks Highway. After stopping Bailey's vehicle for a moving violation, troopers investigated and determined he was impaired by alcohol, according to the dispatch report.

Bailey was again held at Mat-Su Pretrial on $1,000 bail following the Wasilla arrest.

The REDDI program allows Alaska drivers to report suspected impaired or dangerous drivers by calling 911 or DUI (384) from a cell phone. The program has operated statewide since 2002. Motorists can provide license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, and location information to law enforcement.

Neither incident report indicates injuries or involvement of other vehicles. Troopers listed the Big Lake arrest as incident AK26038462 and the Wasilla arrest as incident AK26037623.

The back-to-back arrests highlight ongoing impaired driving enforcement in the Mat-Su Valley, where troopers patrol a sprawling area that includes Big Lake, Wasilla, Palmer, and surrounding communities. Big Lake sits about 15 miles west of Wasilla along the Parks Highway corridor.

Bail amounts for DUI arrests in Alaska vary based on factors including prior offenses and whether the driver refused chemical testing. Refusal to submit to a breath or blood test carries separate criminal penalties under Alaska law.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety publishes daily dispatch reports online, providing basic information about arrests and incidents statewide. The reports include incident numbers, locations, charges, and bail amounts but do not include details about court proceedings or case outcomes.

Bailey's cases will proceed through the Alaska court system. Court records and hearing schedules are available through the Alaska Court System's online portal at courts.alaska.gov.

Alaska law defines DUI as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any combination of substances. First-time DUI convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences including jail time, fines, license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. Penalties increase for repeat offenses.

The Mat-Su Valley has seen consistent DUI enforcement as the region's population has grown. Troopers regularly conduct patrols on major routes including the Parks Highway, Glenn Highway, and local roads serving Big Lake, Wasilla, and Palmer.

Anyone with information about impaired drivers can report them through the REDDI program. Callers should provide as much detail as possible about the vehicle and its location while maintaining their own safety on the road.