A dramatic chase through the streets of Kenai, Alaska, ended in a crash and an arrest on Wednesday afternoon. Michael Hernandez, 36, from Homer, was apprehended after he led police officers on a dangerous pursuit that started with a stolen vehicle report.
The Kenai Police Department received the call around 3:49 p.m. from the Kenai Visitor Center regarding a stolen vehicle. Officers quickly located the vehicle in Old Town Kenai and attempted to pull over the driver. However, the suspect, later identified as Hernandez, sped away, triggering a high-speed chase through the city streets.
The pursuit continued eastbound on the Kenai Spur Highway before the suspect made a sudden U-turn near Safeway and headed back westbound. Moments later, Hernandez lost control of the vehicle and crashed in front of Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Kenai.
Hernandez then attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by multiple officers at the scene. He is now facing several charges, including:
Vehicle Theft in the First Degree
DUI
Reckless Driving
Assault in the Third Degree
Failure to Stop for Officers
After his arrest, Hernandez was transported to the Wildwood Pretrial Facility for further processing, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the crash.
This incident highlights the dangers of high-speed pursuits and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to keep communities safe.
