Alaska State Troopers say they arrested a 38-year-old man Friday evening after he threw items at passing cars on the Parks Highway in Willow and smashed the windshield of a tour bus.
Troopers and a state park ranger responded to Mile 77 of the Parks Highway around 5:20 p.m. Friday after receiving numerous reports of a man in the roadway, according to a dispatch posted online by troopers Friday night.
Troopers said the man, Chad Risinger from Big Lake, had thrown bottles and rocks at passing cars.
A tour bus, carrying 33 passengers, stopped on the highway to avoid hitting Risinger, according to Megan Peters, troopers spokeswoman.
Peters said in an email that Risinger held onto the passenger side mirror and jumped onto the front of the bus. He hit the windshield with a pair of pliers.
The bus belonged to Anchorage-based Premier Alaska Tours, Peters said. A woman who answered the phone at the company Saturday declined to comment. According to its website, Premier Alaska Tours provides services to tour operators, cruise lines and wholesale agencies.
Peters said no one in the tour bus or the passing vehicles was injured.
Troopers said that when Risinger was told he was under arrest Friday, he ran into the woods. A trooper tackled him and took him into custody. Peters said Risinger was in possession of crystal meth.
Risinger was taken to Mat-Su Pretrial in Palmer, troopers said.
He faces two felony charges: third-degree criminal mischief and third-degree assault. He also faces four misdemeanor charges, including fourth-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.