Sterling woman charged in motorcyclist death

A Sterling woman has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a motorcyclist killed at a Sterling intersection Thursday night.

Aprile D. Cresap, 53, was allegedly driving a Chevrolet pickup on Joyful Circle at approximately 5 p.m. when she cut a corner onto Sandlin Drive and collided with an oncoming motorcyclist, according to an Alaska State Troopers affidavit filed with the court.

Cresap told troopers that both she and the motorcyclist — 60-year-old Michael Corteg— had swerved left and hit each other, according to the affidavit. Troopers reported that Corteg’s motorcycle hit the front right bumper of truck. Corteg, who veered into the woods, was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Cresap reportedly told troopers she was traveling at about 20 miles per hour at the time of the accident and that she had had two shots of vodka and cranberry juice after work at about 2 p.m., according to the affidavit. Troopers noted in the affidavit that Cresap was unable to perform several tasks administered as part of field sobriety tests.

A preliminary breath test taken at the scene showed Cresap had a .106 percent breath alcohol content. A breath test taken at approximately 7:20 p.m. showed breath alcohol content at .061 percent.

Cresap was charged Friday with one count of manslaughter, a class A felony; and one count of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a class A misdemeanor. She was arraigned Friday. Bail was set at $50,000 cash performance bond.

Reach Erin Thompson at ethompson@peninsulaclarion.com.

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