It was reported on Thursday by Alaska State Trooper dispatch that 911 was called on Saturday, May 11th, by a passing motorist that they had observed two individuals holding on to the outside of a raft while it was being pulled downstream in the current.

The motorist had observed the raft an its unlucky occupants at mile 52 of the Sterling Highway at Cooper Landing.

Alaska State Troopers responded to the scene along the river and were able to make contact with the rafters at the bridge at mile 53 of the highway.

The rafters were wet and it was reported by troopers that they believed during the contact, that the driver of the craft, 39-year-old Anchorage resident, Andrew Beitel, may have been intoxicated while operating the raft.

Beitel was also hypothermic when contacted, even so, Beitel became belligerent and uncooperative with the responding officer.

He was arrested for disorderly conduct and operating the raft under the influence of alcohol. But, because he was suffering from low body temperature, Beitel was transported to the Central Peninsula General Hospital for evaluation and treatment of his condition.

Beitel was charged with Asssault IV on a Police Offficer as well, and transported to Wildwood Pretrial and remanded there with his bail set at $1,250.

Later, in court Beitel would plead guilty to Resisting and the case was disposed.