Trapper Creek man goes nowhere fast

TALKEETNA — An alleged absconder led Alaska State Troopers on a 100 mph chase down Petersville Road this past week.

According to a trooper press statement, Malcolm Merlyn Mead, 30, of Trapper Creek, was first spotted Monday recklessly driving a white 2001 GMC pickup in a construction zone at 6:52 p.m. near Mile 83 of the Parks Highway. Troopers tried to stop him, but Mead wouldn’t relent, the report says.

At about Mile 100, troopers report Mead turned onto Petersville Road and the chase continued for 14 miles, at times topping 100 mph.

“Near Mile 14 of Petersville Road Mead failed to successfully navigate a turn near Kroto Creek. Mead’s vehicle rolled and came to rest in the roadway on its top, blocking traffic in both directions. Mead fled the scene on foot,” according to the trooper press release.

But troopers caught him nonetheless.

Mead was charged with felony DUI, eluding arrest, reckless driving, resisting arrest and weapons misconduct. He was jailed at the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility. Jail records Thursday afternoon showed he was still incarcerated.

Search called off twice

TALKEETNA — Troopers rescued a pair of hunters last week but had to go back out because a volunteer didn’t get the message to stop searching.

According to a trooper press statement, Pao Hang, 38, of Anchorage, called troopers at 2:09 p.m. Sept. 29 saying he and his son were lost somewhere near Yoder Road and couldn’t find their way back to where they’d parked.

Troopers say they sent a helicopter, which picked Hung and his son up at 5:35 p.m. and dropped them off at their vehicle. Neither were hurt.

But the job wasn’t over.

“Two friends of Hang’s had responded to the area and began assisting in the search for the Hangs. (Troopers) were unable to contact them to advise the Hangs had been found,” according to the press statement.

Troopers eventually found the searchers and let them know. AST would like to remind the public that volunteer searchers should coordinate efforts with troopers.