Palmer man accused of DUI after forcing officer off Parks Highway

Alaska State Troopers arrested a Palmer man on a driving under the influence charge Tuesday night after a vehicle forced a Wasilla police officer off the Parks Highway near Palmer, troopers said.

The officer was transporting an arrestee about 9:25 p.m. Aug. 11, 2026, when another vehicle veered into his lane and pushed him onto the shoulder, troopers said. The officer reported the incident to troopers, and a traffic stop followed.

Troopers said the driver admitted to drinking a full bottle of wine and additional glasses of wine at a second establishment, and to texting while driving. He told troopers he was too impaired to drive safely.

Troopers said the driver showed multiple signs of impairment during standardized field sobriety tests. A breath sample showed a blood alcohol content of 0.109.

Troopers arrested the man at 9:44 p.m., impounded his vehicle and booked him into Mat-Su Pretrial Facility. The charge is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Troopers logged the arrest as case AK26078395 under B Detachment.