A Homer man is being held without bail on felony drunken-driving charges after Alaska State Troopers said he led them on a vehicle chase near Anchor Point on Thursday afternoon — twice.
Troopers said in a Friday dispatch that Paul Suter, 30, faces two counts each of felony DUI, third-degree assault, failure to stop for a law enforcement officer, driving with a revoked license and reckless driving. He is also charged with one count each of first-degree vehicle theft and resisting arrest.
Troopers based in Anchor Point first tried to pull Suter over shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, when they received a call reporting his dangerous driving near Mile 161 Sterling Highway.
Shortly after Suter failed to yield, he crashed his Chevrolet Lumina into a ditch, troopers said, and he got away by running into woods nearby. Soon afterward, however, a call came in reporting a stolen pickup in the same area.
"The stolen vehicle, a white Dodge (Ram) 2500, was observed traveling towards Homer, at which time Suter again led troopers and Homer Police Department (officers) on a pursuit," troopers wrote. "The pursuit came to an end in the Homer Boat Yard and Suter attempted to flee on foot but was caught by two Homer police officers and taken into custody."
Two people reported "almost being struck by Suter during his attempt to flee law enforcement," troopers said.
Troopers said Suter, who was also held on warrants linked to violation of his probation on a felony and previous charges of theft, criminal trespass and driving with a revoked license, has a history of previous DUIs.
"Investigation on scene determined Suter was driving while intoxicated and he has a prior felony DUI conviction within 10 years making this also a felony," troopers wrote. "Suter has a revoked driver's license for a DUI conviction until the year 2060."
After Suter was evaluated and cleared by medics, he was taken to the Homer jail.
Troopers are asking any drivers who saw the chases and "had to take evasive action due to Suter's driving" to call the Anchor Point post at 907-235-8239.