FROM THE BLOTTER: Driver hits pole, knocks out power

WASILLA — If you live in the first mile of Knik-Goose Bay Road and your power was out Thursday, you have bad weather and a wayward driver to thank.

Alaska State Troopers say that at 7:10 p.m., Thursday they were told of a crash at Mile 0.4 Knik-Goose Bay Road. Troopers say a pickup negotiating a turn on the snowy road slid into the ditch, where it hit a utility pole and several utility boxes at its base.

“The collision knocked out power to residences in the surrounding area,” according to the report.

Lines were also down and might have been in contact with the truck, which is why firefighters and medics on scene urged the driver, Danny C. Rose, 52, of Wasilla, and his passenger to stay inside until Matanuska Electric Association employees eventually deemed it safe to exit.

Troopers say the road was closed until about 9 p.m. They estimate damage to the pickup at more than $500 and say it had to be towed away. Damage to the pole is still being calculated.

Underage, drunk driver steals car

BIG LAKE — Alaska State Troopers say a man stuck in a ditch stole a car, which he then also got stuck in a ditch.

According to a trooper press statement, the car was reported stolen at 2:34 a.m., Saturday from a home off of Hughes Homestead Road. Troopers describe it as a blue 2005 Chevy Aveo.

They report Bren R. Marx, 18, of Wasilla, who got his 1990 Audi sedan stuck in the ditch just before he took the Chevy and got it similarly stuck. Troopers also say he was intoxicated.

Marx was found at a nearby home, arrested and jailed at the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility and charged with vehicle theft, trespassing, drunken driving and underage drinking. His bail was set at $5,000. Jail records Monday afternoon showed he had since bailed out.