Jolene Kopanuk charged in early morning traffic collision

At 6:55 AM on October 24, 2022, Anchorage Police responded to the intersection of Boniface Parkway and E Northern Lights Boulevard regarding a two-vehicle collision.

Initial indications are that 31-year-old Jolene L. Kopanuk was driving a red Toyota RAV4 when she failed to yield while making a left-hand turn onto northbound Boniface from eastbound Northern Lights.  In doing so, she collided with a 2003 red Dodge van being driven straight through the intersection on westbound Northern Lights. The two occupants of the Dodge were transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

When officers arrived at the scene, they contacted Jolene who was standing on the sidewalk. While speaking with Jolene, officers observed signs of impairment.  Police also saw a baggie containing suspected methamphetamine from Jolene’s person.  The decision was made to transport Jolene to the Anchorage Jail for processing.  After placing Jolene in the back of a patrol car, she began to kick at the back window while yelling.  Officers gave Jolene a full-restraints warning; she was transported to the Anchorage Jail without further incident.  Once there, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) were administered.  Jolene also provided a breath sample showing her breath alcohol content was more than two times the legal limit.

Jolene Kopanuk was ultimately remanded at Hiland Correctional on the charges of Driving under the Influence, Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance V, and two counts of Assault III.  She was issued a citation for Due Care.

APD Case 22-34392