Troopers say driver fled at over 100 mph on Sterling Highway, switched seats before arrest

A car fled Alaska State Troopers at more than 100 mph on the Sterling Highway on Tuesday, forcing several other drivers to swerve out of the way, troopers said. It took two attempts at a PIT maneuver, a technique for spinning a fleeing car to a stop, to end the chase near Milepost 79.

Drivers began calling in reports of a tan 2002 Chevrolet Impala driving recklessly at about 2:55 pm, starting near Milepost 59.5, through the state's REDDI program for reporting dangerous drivers. Callers said it nearly caused several crashes. Troopers found the car near Milepost 90, but it didn't stop and sped south into Soldotna. A first PIT attempt in the Fred Meyer parking lot failed, and the car fled north before troopers stopped it with a second.

Troopers said the driver, a 21-year-old Anchorage man, switched seats with his passenger, a 19-year-old Anchorage woman, just before the second PIT. They said both were under the influence of alcohol.

Both were arrested for first-degree failure to stop at the direction of a police officer, a class C felony, and DUI. The driver was also arrested for driving with a revoked license and on an outstanding bench warrant, and the passenger for refusing a chemical test. The charges are accusations, and both are presumed innocent.

Troopers are still investigating and ask anyone who saw or was affected by the chase to call 907-262-4453.