Pedestrian killed along Glenn Highway

PALMER — A car struck and killed a hitchhiker along the Glenn Highway Tuesday night, authorities said.

A Palmer Police officer found David Beard, 31, of Palmer, dead on the east side of the highway near the Alaska State Fairgrounds, according to Commander Lance Ketterling.

Beard’s body has been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s office, and Beard’s next of kin have been notified, according to Ketterling. The investigation began about 10 p.m., authorities said.

Investigators have identified the vehicle involved, as well as a driver, but weren’t prepared to make that information public Wednesday, Ketterling said.

“We know the type of vehicle and have it in secure storage,” he said.

Authorities don’t know where Beard was headed when the car struck him, Ketterling said. Investigators aren’t sure when or if criminal charges will be filed in connection with the incident, according to Ketterling.

The incident is still under investigation, Ketterling said.