A scene from the 2007 Arctic Man. (AP Photo/Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Eric Engman)
From Kyle Hopkins in Anchorage --
Arctic Man, that annual fusion of speeding snowmachines and downhill skiing, launched this weekend in the Hoodoo Mountains. The gathering transforms the area into one of Alaska's biggest cities and biggest parties. a celebration of high-octane outdoor sports, it can also, at times, resemble a beer-fueled circus.
Troopers warned they planned to attend in force. Sure enough, here's a roundup of Arctic Man-related arrests from the past few days, according to trooper logs:
Location: Arctic Man
MICS 4th Degree (2X), MIW 2nd Degree, MIW 5th Degree
On 4/13/12, at approximately 1953 hours, Alaska State Troopers with the Bureau of Highway Patrol South-Central Team contacted occupants of a black Mazda sedan at the Arctic Man event near Paxson. With the assistance AST K-9 "Chevron", investigation revealed both the driver, Jonathan C. Carpenter, age 22 of Delta, and passenger Isaiah O. Torres, age 21 of Delta possessed marijuana and were engaged in selling marijuana at the event. Carpenter was also found to be in possession a semi-auto handgun. Carpenter was arrested for MICS 4th Degree, MIW 2nd Degree, and MIW 5th Degree. Torres was arrested for MICS 4th Degree. Both were transported and held with no bail till arraignments at the Glennallen State Trooper Post.
***
Location: Arctic Man
Warrant Arrest
On 04/14/2012, at approximately 2450 hours, Alaska State Troopers contacted Michael James Hansen, age 19, of Fairbanks at an Arctic Man campsite, near Paxson. Investigation revealed Hansen had an outstanding warrant for $250.00 for failure to appear on the original charges of Criminal Trespass and Minor Consuming. Hansen was arrested, held, and later bailed out at the Alaska State Trooper Arctic Man Command Post.
***
Location: Arctic Man
Criminal Mischief
On 4/13/12 at 1100 hrs AST received a report of vandalism at the 700 block of Arctic Man. Somebody slashed the tire of a GMC truck during the early morning hours of 4/13/12. There were no suspect(s) and the damage is estimated at $350. Case closed.
***
Location: Arctic Man Event Site
DUI and Refusal
On 4-13-12 at approximately 0320 hours, Alaska State Troopers contacted the driver of a 2008 Polaris Razor 800 at Arctic Man. The driver of the Razor was identified as Gregory A. M. Eckert, 31 YOA, of Fairbanks. Investigation revealed Eckert was operating the Razor while he was intoxicated. Eckert was arrested for DUI and transported to the Datamaster where he refused to provide a sample of his breath into the Datamaster. Eckert was subsequently charged with Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test. Eckert was released on $1,500.00 bail.
***
Location: Arctic Man Event Site
DUI
On 4/13/2012 at approximately 0318 hours, the Alaska State Troopers contacted a vehicle at the Arctic Man Event Site. Troopers contacted the driver, 22 year old Zachary E. Erickson of Delta Junction.
Investigation revealed Erickson was intoxicated. Erickson was arrested for DUI and was released on a $500.00 bail.
***
Location: Summit Lake, AK
DUI/MVC-I
On 04-12-12, at 2130 hours, The Alaska State Troopers responded to a reported snow machine crash in the Arctic Man event parking area and the driver was injured. Investigation revealed Eric W. Visser (25 YOA of North Pole) was driving a 2007 Arctic Cat and collided into a snow berm. Visser's injuries (not life threatening) required transport
from Arctic Man for medical intervention. Visser was transported to
Delta Junction Medical Clinic treated and released. During the investigation Troopers determined Visser was impaired by alcohol but did not arrest him due to his injuries. Charges will be forwarded against Visser for DUI.
