Public Media for Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Wild Ride Ends In Rolled Vehicle, Injuries, And Criminal Charges

Katie Basile
/
KYUK

A Bethel woman was taken to the emergency room and faces charges after rolling her vehicle while apparently attempting to elude a police traffic stop.

According to police, the SUV driven by Joellen Ashepak rolled three times at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Main Street on Wednesday at 9:10 p.m. The 28-year-old was traveling at an estimated 55 miles per hour when she rolled the car. Police say that alcohol may have been a factor. 

A release from the Bethel Police Department on Thursday describes the incident, beginning when an officer noticed the grey SUV driving erratically near Watson's Corner. The report indicates that the officer stopped the car, but when the officer got out of the police vehicle and started walking toward the SUV, Ashapek sped off, driving at high speed. The officer followed and saw her lose control and roll the SUV.   

Medics were called and Ashapek was transported to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Emergency Room, where she was treated and released with non-life threatening injuries. 

Criminal charges will be forwarded to the District Attorney's office. If anyone has further information on this case, the police would like to be contacted at 907-543-3781.