Updated at 3:30 p.m. on 03/04
An Eagle River man who Alaska State Troopers say led them on a high speed chase across the Kenai Peninsula before crashing and fleeing into the woods on the Seward Highway, has been captured.
Andre Tanner, 32, was found by U.S. Marshals and Alaska State Troopers in a parked car at Knik Goose Bay Raod and Fairview Loop in Wasilla. Tanner, a passenger, was being driven by Anchorage resident Melissa Bradley who was arrested for hindering prosecution, according to a trooper dispatch.
When Tanner was taken into custody, he had a wrist injury and was admitted to the Mat-Su Regional Hospital for treatment before being taken to the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility on an outstanding warrant for a parole violation and a warrant for reckless driving and failure to stop.
Updated at 6:50 p.m.
Alaska State Troopers have released the identity of a man they said led them on a high speed chase across the Kenai Peninsula before ditching his car and fleeing into the woods at Mile 52 of the Seward Highway.
Andre Morris Tanner was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and tennis shoes.
Troopers consider him to be dangerous, according to a media release.
Tanner’s Facebook Page lists him as an Eagle River resident, though troopers believe he may be living in the Girdwood area.
Anyone with information on Tanner can contact the Alaska State Troopers in Girdwood at 907-262-4453 or the Anchorage Crime Stoppers at 907-561-7867.
Original story
Alaska State Troopers are cautioning motorists on the Seward Highway to avoid picking up hitchhikers as they search for a man who led them on a high speed chase on the Kenai Peninsula before ditching his vehicle and running into the woods.
Troopers launched a manhunt after attempting to pull a motorist over near Tustumena Lake in Kasilof. When he failed to yield to the trooper and took off, he was chased up the Sterling Highway and past its intersection with the Seward Highway before his car was disabled by a spike strip.
“Our biggest concern, because of the area where his vehicle stopped and where he fled into the woods … we didn’t want him to get back out on the highway and then catch a ride with someone. There is the possibility that he is dangerous, we just don’t know,” said Alaska State Troopers Public Information Officer Tim DeSpain.
Troopers describe the man as being about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He is caucasian, has brown hair and was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt and blue jeans, DeSpain said.
DeSpain said the pursuit began at 10:52 a.m. and troopers had to slow down several times when speeds became dangerous as they followed the man toward Anchorage.
The car is stopped near mile 52 of the Seward Highway. While troopers initially went into the woods to find the man, they have since pulled back and will be asking for the public’s help in locating him, DeSpain said.
