JPD: Car chase ends with stolen truck in the ditch

North Douglas Highway accident scene
Uprooted and chopped vegetation, and vehicle ruts remain at the end of North Douglas Highway where Juneau Police’s pursuit of a stolen truck ended during evening of April 30. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)

Charges are pending against a Juneau man who allegedly drove recklessly and led officers on a chase out North Douglas on Saturday evening.

The 22-year-old driver allegedly stole a Ford F-150 pickup from near Shaune Drive in Lemon Creek.

Juneau Police Sgt. Krag Campbell said the driver headed inbound on Egan Drive and turned onto Channel Drive. The driver reportedly swerved on the wrong side of the road and nearly hit other people in vehicles.

Campbell said the driver then returned to Egan Drive inbound and later crossed the Douglas Bridge with at least two police vehicles in pursuit. A third car joined the pursuit at the roundabout.

The driver headed out North Douglas Highway, and reportedly swerved and nearly hit several vehicles head-on.

Campbell said officers tried to maintain a safe distance while trying to warn other drivers ahead and get the erratic driver to stop with their lights and sirens.

The truck went into the ditch just past False Outer Point. The driver was transported to Bartlett Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries related to the crash.

No one else was reported hurt during Saturday’s incident.

Charges against the man are pending for driving while intoxicated, vehicle theft and failing to stop for officers.

Campbell said they’ll release the driver’s name once he has been formally charged by the district attorney’s office.

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