Anchorage police say it appears the 19-year-old driver who hit a 25-year-old man near C Street and 9th Avenue in Downtown Anchorage Sunday evening did everything he could to avoid the collision.
According to witnesses, the driver’s Ford Mustang struck the pedestrian at about 9 p.m. as he crossed the street against the stop light.
“Witnesses told the officers that the driver of the vehicle had a green (light), and thus had the right (of way),” said APD spokesperson Lt. Dave Parker. “The driver applied his brakes and tried to stop, but was unable to stop before striking the pedestrian who had wandered out into the street.”
The collision left the pedestrian suffering from what Parker described as critical thigh, arm and head injuries.
“Not only are his injuries severe but I’m sure it had an effect on the driver as well, being a young man and going through this kind of experience,” Parker said.
Under the applied consent law, a sample of the driver’s blood was taken at the scene.
“He was giving field sobriety tests, and there was no indication there was alcohol on board last night," Parker said.
The victim’s name has not been released, and the incident remains under investigation.
Email Matthew Simon
