Owner thwarts theft, escapes bullet

MEADOW LAKES -- A Meadow Lakes man surprised a would-be burglar Friday morning and found himself dodging bullets.

Alaska State Troopers responded at about 3:05 a.m. to the reported assault near Mile 49 Parks Hwy. After investigating the incident, troopers reported that a white man with red hair and a beard had entered a racing trailer and was attempting to steal items from the trailer when the owner confronted him.

According to the troopers' report, a scuffle followed during which the man pulled a hand gun and fired one shot at the owner, missing him and hitting the side of the trailer.

The assailant then fled in a dark colored four-wheel-drive Dodge Ramcharger with sagging rear suspension.

The case is still under investigation. Troopers are asking that anyone with information concerning this matter, the location of the vehicle or the suspect, contact the Alaska State Troopers in Palmer at 745-2131.