At 2:41 PM on June 9, 2023, a white 1999 Chrysler LHS four-door was reported as stolen to APD.  The vehicle was unoccupied, unlocked, and running with the keys inside on the 600-block of E 48th Avenue at the time it was taken from a business parking lot.

Just as the vehicle was being reported as stolen, APD Dispatch began receiving calls from multiple citizens regarding a white vehicle being driven erratically in traffic.  Citizens stated the suspect driver was swerving all over the road, steering into oncoming traffic, running red lights, and passing other vehicles by driving up on the shoulder.  The locations reported started in the area of E 15th Avenue and Medfra Street, moved to Airport Heights Drive, and then on the Glenn Highway near the Arctic Valley exit.  It was reported the sedan had struck other vehicles.

When the first officer arrived on scene, he saw the white vehicle parked on the outbound side of the Glenn Highway near Arctic Valley.  The vehicle’s left front tire was punctured and deflated.  The sole female occupant was throwing things around inside the vehicle; she moved from the driver’s seat into the passenger seat. The officer gave the vehicle’s plate to Dispatch; Dispatch relayed that the vehicle had been reported as stolen.  Once backup units arrived, officers gave 34-year-old Amy M. Watson commands to exit the vehicle which she refused to comply with. Multiple officers approached the stolen car and removed Watson from inside.

During their contact with Watson, officers saw signs of drug-induced impairment.  Officers initially attempted to administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) but had to stop for Watson’s safety due to her behavior.  Watson was transported to the Anchorage Jail for processing. She provided a breath sample showing her breath alcohol content was zero.  Subsequent to a search warrant being obtained, Watson’s blood was drawn.

Amy Watson was remanded at Hiland Correctional on the charges of Reckless Driving, five counts of Violate Conditions of Release, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving under the Influence, and Vehicle Theft I.

Regarding the hit and run charge, the investigation revealed that a Dodge pickup was stopped in eastbound traffic on 5th Avenue, prior to the Mountain View Drive intersection, when it was rear-ended by Watson in the stolen car.  Watson drove away without contacting the Dodge’s driver.  There were no injuries.

Anchorage Police are grateful to all the citizens who notified police of the dangerous driving behavior and for those who gave witness statements.

APD Cases 23-18588, 23-18594, and 23-18595

For information on how to obtain the criminal history of any Alaskan, you may do so online via Court View on the State’s website.