Alaska News

Pedestrian reported as drunk struck by vehicle, badly hurt near Soldotna

A Soldotna man was struck by a car and severely injured Thursday night after he stepped into traffic on Kalifornsky Beach Road while appearing to be intoxicated, Alaska State Troopers say.

An initial call reporting an intoxicated pedestrian -- later identified as 32-year-old Nathan Arne Tikka -- near Mile 18 of K-Beach Road came in to Soldotna troopers at about 9 p.m. Thursday, according to a Friday dispatch.

"While AST was en route, the complainant reported the pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle," troopers reported. "Tikka suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Witnesses reported seeing Tikka walk into the traffic lane immediately before being struck."

Tikka was wearing dark clothing on the darkened roadway, troopers said. The driver of the gray 2006 Pontiac car that hit Tikka, 31-year-old Kearston Maclellan, was unhurt in the collision.

Troopers said alcohol use on Tikka's part was believed to be a factor in the accident and alcohol was not a factor with Maclellan. Her vehicle was able to be driven after the collision, which remains under investigation.

ADVERTISEMENT