Troopers refer charges after Ketchikan pursuit and crash

Alaska State Troopers tried to stop a blue Honda for a moving violation near mile 9 of the North Tongass Highway at 9:39 p.m. on Sept. 3. The driver refused to stop, sped up northbound and drove recklessly before losing control near mile 17, crossing an embankment into a ditch, according to a dispatch. Troopers identified the driver as Brian Burns, 18, of Ketchikan.

Burns was taken to PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center with suspected minor injuries. Two passengers reported no injuries.

Troopers forwarded charges to the District Attorney's Office, including first-degree failure to stop at the direction of a peace officer and third-degree assault, both felonies, plus reckless endangerment and reckless driving. Burns was also cited for driving more than 20 mph over the speed limit, passing in a no-passing zone and driving left of center. He is presumed innocent.

The Department of Public Safety's Emergency Vehicle Operations policy directs officers to create "the least amount of additional risk to them, the public or the suspect," and it says pursuits generally end once a suspect is identified. Troopers posted the account early Tuesday, five days later.