Manslaughter charge filed against driver in accident that killed longtime Mat-Su trooper

The driver of a vehicle involved in a collision that killed a retired Alaska State Trooper near Wasilla in September was charged with manslaughter this week.

Jacob Moreland, 22, of Wasilla, was indicted by a Palmer grand jury Thursday for criminal negligent manslaughter, troopers said in a report online. Moreland was driving a 2005 Chevrolet pickup the evening of Sept. 26 when it hit the driver’s side of a 2006 Dodge pickup driven by Dallas Massie, 72, according to troopers.

Both men were taken to the hospital. Massie, who lived in Wasilla, died of injuries he sustained in the crash. Moreland suffered injuries described as not life-threatening, troopers said.

Massie served with the troopers for 26 years before retiring in 2004, and later served as Nome’s police chief.

Moreland has a warrant out for his arrest for criminal negligent manslaughter and DUI with no bail, according to troopers. Troopers urged anyone with information about Moreland’s location to call them at 907-352-5401.