Concerned citizens are credited with helping Kenai police to apprehend a Nikiski man for drunk driving after he was spotted driving erratically on -- and off -- local roads Thursday night.?
Kenai police said in a statement Friday morning that Lance C. Alexander, 54, was reported by multiple callers as a dangerous driver at about 7 p.m. Thursday. In addition to running a red light, callers said, Alexander's Chevrolet Suburban SUV was driven onto the sidewalk and "drove into the ditch multiple times" along Bridge Access Road.
"A KPD officer caught up to the vehicle several miles down (Kalifornsky Beach Road) and activated his overhead lights and siren," police wrote. "The driver failed to stop and the officer observed the vehicle driving in the oncoming lane and also driving part way into the ditch. After several miles the Suburban lost control and crashed into the ditch."
Kenai Police Chief Gus Sandahl said three callers had reported Alexander to dispatchers after he ran the red light at the Kenai Spur Highway's intersection with Bridge Access Road.
"It's the busiest intersection in town," Sandahl said.
From there, Sandahl said, Alexander headed south for about a mile along Bridge Access toward the local dock, then "took out a sign" and made a right onto K-Beach Road.
"An oncoming vehicle had to take evasive action as the officer was trying to stop (the Suburban)," Sandahl said.
Sandahl said Alexander was treated and released for injuries sustained in the crash Thursday evening.
Alexander was held at the Wildwood Pretrial Facility on charges of DUI, felony eluding and reckless driving.