Anchorage man sentenced in escape

PALMER -- An Anchorage man was sentenced to 180 days in jail and five years probation after he pled no contest to fourth-degree assault charges stemming from a June incident where he reportedly squeezed out of a police car window and hit the people trying to capture him.

Cooper Gordan, 23, was originally charged with third-degree assault, second-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree assault on a police officer and fourth-degree escape. He also was arrested on two outstanding Anchorage warrants for failing to appear on charges of driving while license suspended.

The District Attorney's office dismissed two counts against Gordan, third-degree assault and fourth-degree escape, in exchange for the plea agreement.

At about 2 a.m. June 22, police responded to a complaint that a man had broken out several windows on a Chevy Suburban that belonged to the friend of the man's former girlfriend.

The caller said he had left on foot, and Wasilla police located Gordan walking near Nye Ford. They reportedly observed that Gordan had numerous bleeding cuts on his arm.

Police were notified of the two outstanding warrants, and placed Gordan under arrest. While the patrol officer was transporting Gordan to the Mat-Su Pre-Trial, he was stopped due to construction on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. Gordan reportedly exited the patrol car, while it was stopped, by crawling out the window.

A bystander saw Gordan fleeing and assisted reserve officer Mike Rager by tackling Gordan. Gordan allegedly hit the man over the head with the handcuffs he was wearing. As Rager attempted to restrain him, Gordan and Rager reportedly rolled down an embankment at the side of the road, which caused minor injuries to the officer.