Wasilla man on parole clocked at 84 mph on Seward Highway, forces trooper to swerve

A 43-year-old Wasilla man on parole drove 84 mph into oncoming traffic on the Seward Highway on the Fourth of July, forcing an Alaska State Troopers patrol unit to swerve to avoid a head-on collision.

A REDDI report, short for Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately, brought troopers to milepost 13 near Seward at about 6:22 p.m. Responding from Moose Pass, the trooper encountered the driver near milepost 22, where he was passing a line of seven vehicles in the oncoming lane in a gray Dodge pickup with a canopy. The man pulled into a driveway he had no connection to, then fled on foot into the woods before walking out and surrendering. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Investigation confirmed he was under the influence and on parole.

He was charged with DUI, third-degree assault, reckless driving, and a petition to revoke parole, then remanded to Spring Creek Correctional Center. The vehicle was impounded. All charges are accusations; he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Seward AST believes other drivers may have been forced to take evasive action. Witnesses are asked to call 907-262-4453.