At 8:26 PM on July 22, 2022, a citizen called APD Dispatch regarding a possible drunk driver.  The caller stated a black Dodge Charger was being driven recklessly to include driving up on the sidewalk, driving down the wrong side of the road, speeding, and almost hitting other vehicles.  The caller further stated the Dodge was smoking like it had been involved in a collision, and it appeared the airbags had deployed.  More citizens began calling 9-1-1 to report reckless driving by the Dodge’s driver.  Officers responded and located the heavily damaged vehicle stopped in a turn lane at a stoplight at Old Seward Highway and Tudor Road.

Officers contacted the driver, 55-year-old Ronald E. Heskett, who showed signs of impairment.  Once Heskett exited the vehicle, a loaded handgun was seen lying in plain view on the floorboard by the pedals. A computer check revealed Heskett was a convicted felon and therefore not allowed to be in possession of the weapon. Heskett declined to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs); the decision was made to charge Hesket with Driving under the Influence.  Once they arrived at the Anchorage Jail for further processing, Heskett refused to provide a breath sample.  His blood was drawn once a search warrant was obtained. Heskett was remanded on the charges of Reckless Endangerment, Misconduct Involving a Weapon IV – Possess While Intoxicated, DUI, Refusal, Misconduct Involving a Weapon V – Fail to Inform, and Misconduct Involving a Weapon III – Felon in Possession.

Officers found evidence of a crash at Scooter Road and the Old Seward Highway.  Evidence was also found suggesting that Heskett ran off the road near the Old Seward Highway and Tudor Road. Officers did not locate any vehicles involved in a collision with Heskett. 

REDDI – Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately by calling 9-1-1.  APD is thankful to all the citizens who immediately reported Heskett’s driving behavior and for all those who provided excellent witness statements.

APD Case 22-23850

To view the criminal history of any Alaskan, you may do so online via Court View on the State’s website.