Palmer man arrested for DUI after Thursday morning pursuit

PALMER — A Palmer man with a history of driving drunk was arrested after a pursuit near Palmer early Thursday morning.

Joshua Sanchez, 45, was apprehended after driving over a tire deflation device near Mile 1.5 of Palmer-Fishhook Road just before 2 a.m. Thursday, according to Alaska State Troopers. Sanchez, who has two prior felony DUI convictions and a felony refusal conviction since 2005 according to a trooper dispatch report, was arrested after the pursuit, which started at Mile 11.5 Palmer-Fishhook near Hatcher Pass. Troopers say an investigation revealed Sanchez was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Initial contact was made following the report of a suspicious vehicle was made near Mile 12 of Palmer-Fishhook. Troopers tried to pull Sanchez over for speeding and erratic driving, according to the dispatch, but Sanchez failed to stop.

Investigation also revealed Sanchez had a driver’s license that had been revoked until 2085. Troopers also say Sanchez had also assaulted a female inside the vehicle prior to making contact.

Sanchez was arrested for felony DUI, felony refusal to submit to a chemical test, failure to stop for a police officer 2, assault 4, and driving while license revoked, according to troopers.

Sanchez is currently at Mat-Su Pretrial held on no bail, pending an arraignment.

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