As troopers attempted to pull over a red 1989 Buick Reatta for equipment violations and speeding, instead of stopping, the vehicle sped away, trooper dispatch reported.

Troopers attempted to pull over the Buick near South Miller Loop and Dividend Street in Nikiski when it failed to yield and sped away. Officers pursued the vehicle down Holt-Lamplight Road, and finally caught up to it when it went into the ditch. When the vehicle crashed into the ditch, the driver fled the scene on foot, leaving his female passenger behind.

The trooper investigation identified the driver as 35-year-old Brandon Bernier of Nikiski, it is unknown if Bernier was injured in the incident as a search of the area did not locate him.

The Buick was later found to have been stolen.

Troopers say that “Bernier will be charged with Vehicle Theft, Felony Eluding, Assault III and Reckless Driving.”

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  brandon bernier, buick, crash, fleeing, kenai, nikiski, stolen, vehicle theft