ATV rage incident in Fort Yukon might cost man an eye

Chris Freiberg

FAIRBANKS — A Fort Yukon man faces a felony assault charge after an apparent road rage incident in the Interior Alaska village where many people get around on its unpaved roads using ATVs and snowmachines.

Jacob D. Savage, 32, has been charged with one count of second-degree assault, a class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Fort Yukon resident Alfred Peter told the local police department that he was riding an ATV when Savage, also on an ATV, pulled in front of him after running a stop sign. Peter then hurried ahead of Savage, at which point Savage reportedly became enraged and began a chase.

Peter drove about three-quarters of a mile away to the home of Fort Yukon Magistrate Dacho Alexander, thinking he would be safe there. Rather than end the pursuit, Savage reportedly punched Peter in face about 15 times. Peter sustained skull fractures and possible brain bleeding as a result of the attack.

When Fort Yukon police Lt. Jeremy Fernandes arrived at Peter’s home, he found a trail of blood from the ATV to the upstairs, where Peter was being treated by his wife. Peter also had a large amount of blood on his clothes, according to a criminal complaint filed in court.

Peter is being treated at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage and might never fully regain sight in one eye, Fernandes said. Savage could face upgraded charges when the case goes before a grand jury for indictment.

Bail for Savage, who has prior misdemeanor convictions for drunken driving and reckless driving, has been at $10,000.

Fort Yukon, which is located about 150 air miles northeast of Fairbanks, is accessible only by plane or boat.

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Source: http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/8924997/article-ATV-rage-incident-in-Fort-Yukon-might-cost-man-an-eye?instance=home_news_window_left_top_3

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