Valley pair charged after stop in stolen truck

MEADOW LAKES — A Ford Ranger stopped for moving and equipment violations turned up stolen Saturday, landing the truck’s passenger in jail.

According to a press release from Alaska State Troopers, the pickup was pulled over at Mile 49, Parks Highway. Driving was Michael Hansen, 52, of Willow. His license was suspended out of Washington state and he was handed a summons to appear in court.

The pickup had been reported stolen from a home on Friday. Troopers say the responsible party was allegedly passenger Shannon W. Bartholomew, 33, of Wasilla.

“It was determined Bartholomew had taken the vehicle from a residence and then asked Hansen to drive after they met at a party,” according to the press release.

Bartholomew was arrested for vehicle theft and jailed at Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility on $5,000 bail.