FROM THE BLOTTER: Aug. 30, 2011

AST probes suspicious fire

BIG LAKE — Though the evidence seems to indicate the deserted building that was either really old or really small, Alaska State Troopers are investigating a Thursday fire as arson.

According to a trooper press statement, law enforcement was summoned to the fire at 9:23 p.m. on South Lodge Drive.

“The structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire and is a total loss, with damage estimated at $3,000. The cause of the fire is considered suspicious and investigation is ongoing,” troopers report.

Anyone with information is asked to call troopers at 745-2131 or Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.

Chain-reaction wreck

involves five vehicles

PALMER — Five cars collided on the Glenn Highway Friday just after the Alaska State Fair’s big yearly fireworks display causing minor injuries.

According to a Palmer Police Department press release and an email from Cmdr. Tom Remaley, the wreck happened Aug. 26 at around 10 p.m. on the Glenn Highway near Glacier View Avenue. That would put it in front of, or very close to, the Tesoro station.

Police report that Jeffrey C. Olsen, 38, of Wasilla, rear-ended Lindsay K. Howland, 29, of Chugiak, sparking a chain reaction that included three other vehicles.

The other drivers were: Devonna F. Rice, 23, of Great Falls, Mont., Jason W. Keuma, 40, of Palmer and Aaron K. Maupin, 27, of Palmer.

“All parties were wearing seatbelts and minor injuries were reported. Several individuals were transported to Mat-Su Regional and three of the vehicles had to be towed from the scene,” according to the press release.

Pit stop leads to citation

PALMER — The list of tickets handed to visitors at Alaska State Fair time includes a lot of the usual suspects — driving without insurance and failing to signal before a turn — but rarely indecent exposure.

An Anchorage teen contributed to changing that Friday when troopers spotted a person urinating on the side of the Glenn Highway near Drift Lane, according to a trooper press statement. Drift lane is directly across the highway from the fairgrounds.

Brightonn A. Golez, 19, of Anchorage, “was issued a misdemeanor citation for indecent exposure in the second degree and released on scene with a later court date,” troopers report.