Alaska State Troopers are seeking help from the public as they investigate a hit-and-run collision that left a man severely injured on a Wasilla road early Thursday.
Troopers said in a dispatch they first responded to a man, later identified as 28-year-old Anaktuvuk Pass resident Raymond Ahgook, lying on East Schrock Road near Burlwood Avenue at about 4:45 a.m.
"Investigation revealed Ahgook was walking on the side of Schrock Road and was struck by an unknown passing vehicle," troopers wrote. "Ahgook sustained serious, but non-life threatening, injuries and was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for treatment."
Troopers spokeswoman Beth Ipsen said in an email Thursday morning that Ahgook hadn't been wearing highly visible attire when he was hit.
"Ahgook was wearing dark, non-reflective clothing at the time," Ipsen wrote. "A passing motorist saw him lying in the ditch on the side of the road, stopped and called 911. It's unknown how long Mr. Ahgook had been laying in the ditch when he was found."
Troopers are examining evidence at the crash site for details on the vehicle involved.
"Mr. Ahgook said he was walking home from a friend's house when it happened," Ipsen wrote. "It appears that he was struck from behind, but troopers are still investigating to determine what exactly happened. As far as a description of the car -- troopers are following up on leads obtained at the scene."
Ipsen said Thursday that investigators haven't yet received many further details from Ahgook of the collision.
"I don't think he got much of a description," Ipsen said. "The big thing is he survived -- we're very thankful for that."
Ipsen encouraged anyone with information on the hit-and-run to call the troopers' Palmer post at 745-2131 or Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.