Hitchhiker attacks Wasilla man inside vehicle

WASILLA — Alaska State Troopers say a hitchhiker assaulted a 59-year-old Wasilla man who picked him up Sunday evening.

According to a trooper press release, officers were called to Vine Road for a report of an assault. There, they found the 59-year-old man had offered a ride to hitchhiker Dylan Stelzer, 23, of Wasilla. During the ride, Stelzer allegedly began assaulting the Good Samaritan, who stopped the vehicle and began honking the horn to attract attention.

Troopers say several bystanders arrived, at which point Stelzer allegedly took the keys from the vehicle and fled on foot. He was located later at a nearby residence.

When he was found, Stelzer was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine. He also had a pair of outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court. He was arrested and taken to Mat-Su Pretrial, where he was held on the warrants as well as charges of fourth-degree assault, fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance and fourth-degree theft. His bail was set at $8250.