Troopers arrest Kasilof resident on DUI, weapons charges near Clam Gulch

Alaska State Troopers arrested a 50-year-old Kasilof resident on the Sterling Highway on Wednesday on charges of driving under the influence and misconduct involving weapons.

Troopers received a REDDI report about an erratic red sedan on the Sterling Highway at about 8:36 pm, according to the trooper dispatch. REDDI stands for Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately. Troopers later found the car in a ditch near mile marker 123, between Clam Gulch and Ninilchik, with the driver asleep behind the wheel and showing signs of impairment. Troopers said their investigation found the driver had been driving under the influence of alcohol and had a loaded firearm.

The weapons charge, fourth-degree misconduct involving weapons, is a class A misdemeanor under Alaska law. The charge covers several situations, including having a firearm on you or in a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs; the dispatch does not say which applies.

The driver was taken to the Wildwood pretrial detention facility. Troopers said the charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.