Anchorage Daily News

Alaska State Troopers found the body of a man on the Parks Highway near Wasilla early this morning.

Troopers say a caller reported the body in the southbound lane of the highway near its intersection with Vine Road in Meadow Lakes at about 3:30 a.m., and officers arriving minutes later found the man lying face-down in the road.

There were no vehicles in the area when they arrived.

The victim has been identified as Wasilla resident Scott L. Johnson, 22. The state medical examiner has taken his body for an autopsy.

Elizabeth Ipsen, spokeswoman for the Troopers, said initial investigation indicated that Johnson may have been hitchhiking or walking along the southbound lane when he was struck by a vehicle. Friday afternoon, Ipsen said the case could be more than a hit-and-run.

"It may be more than that. We're looking at other possibilities," Ipsen said.

Ipsen said Johnson had apparently been riding a motorcycle -- one was found stashed in the bushes beside the Parks Highway with a helmet about 200 yards away from where his body was found. The engine was seized but it had gas in it, she said.

But troopers are trying to piece together how Johnson ended up lying dead in the road, Ipsen said.

Ipsen said Troopers would like people with more information on the incident to call them at 907-745-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 907-745-3333.

ADVERTISEMENT