Driver flees troopers, is injured

WASILLA — A convicted murderer fleeing Alaska State Troopers in a car struck and injured another driver about 9 p.m., Saturday, authorities said.

Thomas Lee Halton, 37, of Anchorage, was wanted on outstanding warrants for probation and parole violations stemming from a 1995 conviction when troopers stopped him near the intersection of the Parks Highway and Frontage Road, according to an Alaska State Troopers media release. Halton was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, and first gave false information to the troopers. When troopers attempted to remove Halton from the vehicle, he fled in his car northbound along the Parks Highway, troopers said.

At the intersection of the Parks and Crusey Street, Halton’s car collided with a 2004 Toyota Camry, injuring the driver, according to the media dispatch.

Halton fled the collision scene on foot and was tracked and apprehended by K9 trooper “Helo,” according to troopers.

Authorities charged Halton with two counts of failure to stop at the direction of an officer, and one count each of reckless driving, resisting arrest, false information, third-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

The driver of the Camry received minor injuries and was transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center via ambulance, according to troopers

Halton was arraigned Sunday morning and held on a temporary order of $50,000 cash bond with third-party custody requirements, according to Alaska court documents.

Halton was convicted in a 1995 murder trial of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence, court documents show. That murder took place in the Mountain View section of Anchorage, according to several Anchorage media outlets.

Halton received a 65-year sentence with 35 years suspended, according to Alaska Court documents. His probation was revoked in December, although the reason for the revocation is not stated in online documents.

Halton remained in Mat-Su Pretrial Monday evening.

Contact Brian O’Connor at 352-2269 or brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com, or on Twitter @reporterbriano