JUNEAU POLICE DEPARTMENT
6255 ALAWAY AVENUE JUNEAU, ALASKA 99801
Business (907) 586-0600
Fax (907) 463-4808
Integrity, Courage, Service, Respect
INFORMATION RELEASE
Date: 2014-10-09
From: Officer John Cryderman
Case or Incident: #141008-010
***UPDATE***
On 10/09/2014, at approximately 1:29 PM, next of kin for the deceased driver were notified about the incident. The deceased driver is identified as 33 year old Juneau resident Justin Donald Priest.
While trying to identify next of kin for Justin D. Priest, JPD contacted the Priest family of Palmer and wrongfully told them that their son Justin had been killed in a motor vehicle accident. JPD Chief Bryce Johnson contacted the Priest family and apologized for our error. JPD apologizes to the Priest family of Palmer for any anguish our mistake has caused.
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On 10/08/2014, at about 2102 hours, the Juneau Police Department (JPD) received a 911 report about a motor vehicle crash on Mendenhall Boulevard near Cedar Court. The report stated a vehicle struck a tree with unknown injuries.
JPD officers and Capital City Fire and Rescue (CCFR) responded to the scene. The vehicle had three occupants. The 33 year old male driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. Next of kin has not been notified. A 30 year old female passenger was treated for minor injuries and walked from the scene. A 50 year old male passenger was taken to Bartlett Regional Hospital with apparent life threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation reveals speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors.
Mendenhall Boulevard between Birch Lane and Poplar Avenue was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation.
The investigation is continuing.
All factual allegations contained in this release are based upon preliminary investigation and are subject to change or clarification as the investigation continues. Any charges reported in this release are merely accusations and all persons named in this release are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.