Alaska State Troopers are asking the public for information on the whereabouts of a Palmer man who escaped hospital staff after being arrested following a lengthy traffic stop on several moving violations on Thursday morning, the trooper dispatch divulged.

Troopers attempted to pull over a black Oldsmobile near the Vienna Woods access road on the Parks Highway at 3:08 am on Thursday morning. But, instead of stopping for the trooper patrol, the vehicle, later discovered to be driven by 33-year-old Palmer resident John Linebaugh, sped away from the trooper traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour. As Linebaugh attempted to make good his getaway southbound on the highway, he ran several red lights and frequently drove recklessly in the northbound lanes.

The vehicle chase came to an end after Linebaugh ran into a a trooper vehicle and then crashed into the roundabout at Lucille Street and Sheldon Road. But, even though his vehicle was now incapacitated, Linebaugh exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

The passenger, who was also the owner of the vehicle, 36-year-old Stephen Walsh, remained behind. When questioned, Walsh gave false information to the troopers. During contact, it was found that Walsh, a felon, was in possession of a firearm. He was arrested and charged with Misconduct Involving Firearms III and False Information. He was transported to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held on $1,000 bail.[xyz-ihs snippet=”adsense-body-ad”]

Linebaugh was chased down by a K-9 Unit, but did not give up peacefully, and resisted arrest by the unit. Ultimately taken under control, Linebaugh was transported to the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for treatment of what the troopers called a “pre-existing injury.”

While at the medical center being treated, Linebaugh again escaped, this time from medical staff.

Charges of Felony Eluding, Reckless Driving, Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Criminal Mischief are expected to be leveled at Linebaugh.

Troopers are asking the public for information concerning Linebaugh’s whereabouts and are urged to contact troopers at 352-5401, or Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.[xyz-ihs snippet=”Adversal-468×60″]

  chase, eluding, felony, fleeing, john linebaugh, palmer, resisting, stephen walsh, traffic stop, troopers, wasilla, weapons