Troopers responded to a REDDI call that reported a possibly drunk driver on an ATV in Wasilla early Thursday morning and found themselves in a potentially deadly encounter.

When troopers got to the scene near mile 3 of KGB Road, they initiallly could not find the suspect on the reported side-by-side ATV, but would locate hiim a short time later about a mile from where he was first reported. When they located the ATV driver he was within the Highway Safety Cooridor.

When they contacted the driver at 12:19 am, he was found to be intoxicated. When they queried his name, the driver would give them a false name and date of birth.

Further investigation would determine the driver’s identity as 38-year-old Palmer resident, Derrick D Peterson, and also find that he was driving on a revoked license.

While Peterson was being placed under arrest, he resisted to trooper’s efforts and during that time, attempted to pull a handgun on the arresting officer. The trooper managed to secure Peterson and the handgun and place Peterson under arrest. Peterson also refused to give a breath sample for the officer.

Further investigation would find that Peterson was already a convicted Felon and illegally in possession of a firearm.

Peterson was charged with Assault III on an Officer x2, Misconduct Involving a Weapon III, Misconduct Involving a Weapon IV, Misconduct Involving a Weapon V, DUI, Resisting Arrest, False Information, DWLR, and refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test.

Following his arrest, Peterson was transported to the Mat Su Pretrial Facility where he was remanded without bail.

Peterson appeared in court for arraignment for the charges on Thursday and his bail was set at $5,000 and a Court Appointed Third Party.

His next court appearance is on February 10th, 2014.