Troopers comb Wasilla for wanted man

WASILLA -- Alaska State Troopers are searching for a man wanted for misconduct involving a controlled substance and evading arrest. Jared Blackmore, age 22, of Wasilla, remains at large after a close call with troopers on the afternoon of Thursday, April 8.

Troopers have recently been attempting to contact Blackmore regarding a warrant for his arrest under the charge of second-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance.

Blackmore was reportedly seen driving a blue Dodge Neon on Virginia Woods Drive near Mile 46 of the Parks Highway at approximately 3:15 on April 8. Trooper Dave Wilson attempted to stop the vehicle, but Blackmore wouldn't yield, according to a trooper release. A pursuit entailed, but was cut off after a short distance. Wilson said the chase was stopped after about three miles owing to the fact that rush-hour traffic on the busy street was causing the process to become dangerous.

"He was driving very recklessly, and there was no crime in progress," Wilson said Tuesday. "We're very careful about public safety when in pursuit. If we had continued to chase him, we would have put the public at a greater risk than we needed to."

The vehicle was located later, but Blackmore was not inside and could not be found.

"We'll catch him another day," Wilson said.

A warrant is still out for Blackmore's arrest, and bail has been set at $50,000 cash, plus the custody of a court-appointed third party.

Blackmore is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the troopers at 745-2131 or Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333. Callers to Crime Stoppers do not need to give their name.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.