A Sutton man later arrested for driving under the influence caused a head-on collision late Friday that critically injured another Sutton man, Alaska State Troopers said.
Peter E. Wilson, 61, was southbound near Mile 53 of the Glenn Highway in a Ford F-150 when he crossed into oncoming traffic and hit head-on a northbound Mitsubishi sedan driven by 46-year-old Gerhard Jakits, troopers said in an online release posted early Monday morning. Fire and medics from Palmer and Sutton responded at 11:15 p.m. Friday.
Jakits sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to an Anchorage hospital in critical condition, troopers said.
A spokeswoman at Providence Alaska Medical Center said Jakits' condition had been upgraded to serious as of Monday morning.
Wilson received minor injuries and was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released.
Troopers contacted Wilson at the hospital and "an investigation revealed he was operating the Ford while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage," the release said. He was arrested for first-degree assault and driving under the influence.
Troopers say Wilson also was wanted on a warrant for charges of leaving the scene of an accident in a separate incident. According to a state court database, that accident occurred in February and Wilson never showed up for his arraignment in August.
He was jailed without bail at Mat-Su Pretrial Facility. An investigation continues; troopers said there could be additional charges considered.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.
Reach Zaz Hollander at zhollander@adn.com or 257-4317.
By ZAZ HOLLANDER