Elusive Kenai Peninsula Driver Apprehended in Wasilla by U.S. Marshals

Andre Tanner was apprehended by U.S. Marshals on Wednesday many miles away from where he eluded state authorities on the weekend, Image-Trooper handout
Andre Tanner was apprehended by U.S. Marshals on Wednesday many miles away from where he eluded state authorities on the weekend, Image-Trooper handout

Andre Tanner, the man sought by authorities after four aborted attempts to take him into custody on Saturday was located over 100 miles distant from the area he was last seen on the Seward Highway.

Alaska State Troopers called on the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to assist in locating 32-year-old Tanner after he frustrated state authority’s attempts at apprehending him late last week. At 10:45 am on Wednesday, U.S. Marshals located Tanner in a vehicle in which he was a passenger at Knik-Goose Bay Road and Fairview Loop. Initially, Tanner failed to comply with the arresting officers commands, but was soon taken into custody.

Marshals observed that Tanner had injuries to his wrist that they say were received prior to his arrest and administered First Aid to Tanner. Medics were also called and he was transported to the Mat-Su Regional Hospital, where he was cleared bby medical personnel. Tanner was transported to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility in Palmer, where he was remanded on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Parole on the original charges of Forgery I, Theft II, and Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance IV.

Tanner also had a warrant for his arrest for Reckless and Failure to Stop, both are charges he incurred for the Saturday Incident.

The driver of the vehicle, 35-year-old Melissa Bradley of Anchorage was also arrested at the scene for Hindering Prosecution I.

Tanner took State and Wildlife Troopers, as well as State Park Rangers on four separate high speed pursuits on Saturday from the Centennial Lake area in Kasilof to mile 52 of the Seward Highway on Saturday. Tanner eluded officers even after his vehicle, a Honda Civic, was disabled by spike strips in the final chase by state authorities. Despite troopers use of a K9 Unit and Helo 3, Tanner would escape capture and make his way to Wasilla where he was finally apprehended.

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