Austin Gillespie Charged in DUI Injury Crash

At 11:37 PM on September 8, 2023, Anchorage Police responded to E 36th Avenue and Old Seward Highway regarding a two-car collision with injuries.  Initial indications are that 31-year-old Austin T. Gillespie was driving a 2008 white GMC Sierra southbound on the Old Seward Highway.  As he made the left-hand turn onto eastbound 36th Avenue, he collided with a 2001 green Mazda Protégé being driven northbound on Old Seward through the intersection. 

The adult female driver of the Mazda was trapped in her seat.  She was extricated by the Anchorage Fire Department.  The adult male passenger of the Mazda was able to exit the vehicle under his own power.  Both occupants were transported to the hospital for treatment.  The driver’s injuries were initially believed to be life-threatening; she is now expected to survive.  Her passenger suffered from non-life-threatening injuries.

Upon contact with Austin Gillespie, officers noticed signs of impairment.  After administering Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), the decision was made to charge Gillespie with Driving under the Influence.  Gillespie was transported to the Anchorage Jail for further processing.  Once there, he provided a breath sample showing his breath/alcohol content was more than one and a half times the legal limit.

Austin Gillespie was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of DUI and two counts of Assault III.  Prior to remand he was treated at a hospital for a minor injury sustained during the crash.

The color of the traffic signals displayed when the crash occurred is still under investigation.  36th Avenue between Old Seward and New Seward was shut down until the involved vehicles could be removed.  The roadway was completely re-opened just prior to 3:30 AM on September 9th.

APD Case 23-29234

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