Trooper patrol car involved in collision

WASILLA — An Alaska State Trooper patrol car was involved in a three-vehicle collision Saturday night resulting in minor injuries, authorities and witnesses said.

The accident occurred about 9 p.m., Jan. 17 near the intersection of Seward Meridian Parkway and Palmer-Wasilla Highway, according to an Alaska State Troopers media dispatch.

The patrol car, a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria, was responding to a domestic disturbance with lights and sirens activated when a 2003 Chevy Silverado driven by Leo Wheeler, 51, of Palmer pulled into the intersection. The eastbound Crown Victoria, whose driver is not identified in the dispatch, struck the rear of the northbound Silverado and then hit a 2014 Lincoln Navigator driven by Scott Williams, 51.

An unidentified passenger in Wheeler’s car complained of back pain and was taken by emergency medical personnel to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, according to the troopers.

Mat-Su Borough emergency services files say the transport was likely conducted in a non-emergency status, indicating the injuries were not life-threatening, according to Mat-Su Borough emergency services director Dennis Brodigan.

Jason Sharlow was returning from the Seward Meridian Walmart that evening, and watched the wreck unfold from about 120 yards way.

“It’s dark, and you can see taillights and brake lights,” he said. “We could see the state trooper coming down the highway.”

The vehicle in front was the only one to disregard the oncoming patrol car, Sharlow said.

“When the light turned green, that guy’s brake lights went off,” he said. “He was the only one.”

Unsure of what to do, Sharlow initially thought about getting out of his car and offering to assist. Then he spotted the trooper in the vehicle get out and began to check the welfare of the other drivers, he also heard the occupants of one of the other vehicles confirm they were OK, so he continued on his way, he said.

The collision recalled a tragedy from his own life, Sharlow said. His 18-year-old son died from massive head trauma received in a collision, he said.

“My son was killed two years ago tomorrow because of some idiot that wasn’t paying attention,” he said. “How do you not see lights on an emergency vehicle?”

The incident remains under investigation, according to the troopers.

Contact Brian O’Connor at 352-2269 or brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com.