The driver of an SUV suspected of chasing down a motorcyclist later found dead in the road near downtown Anchorage apparently dragged the man’s motorcycle for another half-mile, video shows.
Police said a dark-colored 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe stolen from the Port of Alaska pursued the driver of the green and white motorcycle sometime before the driver was killed. His body was found near the intersection of Minnesota Drive/L Street and 15th Avenue.
Police identified the motorcycle driver as Christopher M. Lebert, 36, on Thursday.
Footage captured by a KTVA-TV weather camera appears to show the SUV continuing southbound past that intersection, police said, smoking as it drags the motorcycle down Minnesota Drive.
The Chevy exits at Hillcrest Drive and stops on the off ramp, where the motorcycle is apparently removed from the undercarriage. Someone exits the SUV and walks around before getting back in and continuing up the ramp.
The motorcycle was found on the Hillcrest Drive off ramp, police said, about half a mile from where Lebert’s body was found.
It’s unknown whether Lebert was also dragged at some point, Anchorage Police Department spokesman MJ Thim said.
Thim said Lebert had “trauma to the body,” but police are still investigating how exactly he died and whether he was involved in a collision with the Chevy. Police have said this is not a hit-and-run investigation.
Lebert was wearing a helmet, Thim said.
The stolen Chevy was later found abandoned near Lyn Ary Park, police said.
Investigators are looking for anyone with information, especially surveillance footage, about anything suspicious that happened at the Port of Alaska, Ship Creek and Alaska Railroad area between 6:30 p.m. and midnight Tuesday; near the intersection of Minnesota Drive/L Street and 15th Avenue between 11:30 p.m. and midnight; or in the Turnagain neighborhood near Lyn Ary Park between midnight and 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Police asked anyone with information to call dispatch at 311. To remain anonymous, call 907-561-STOP.