TRAFFIC FATALITY: BONIFACE PKWY AND E NORTHERN LIGHTS BLVD
TRAFFIC FATALITY: BONIFACE PKW AND E NOTHERN LIGHTS BLVD
APD CASE: 25-26652
DATE/TIME OF INCIDENT: August 29, 2025 8:07 PM
ROAD CLOSURES: All westbound lanes of Northern Lights are closed at Boniface while investigators with the Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) process the scene. Eastbound traffic on Northern Lights west of Boniface is also down to one lane. Please use alternative routes.
UPDATE: All lanes are now open.
UPDATE, Aug. 30, 2025: At 8:07 PM on August 29, 2025, officers along with medics from the Anchorage Fire Department responded to Boniface Pkwy and E Northern Lights Blvd in reference to a vehicle versus pedestrian collision.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a vehicle, believed to be a black SUV at this time, struck a pedestrian and left the scene.
The pedestrian was transported to a hospital by medics where they died of their injuries.
The victim’s identity will be released once next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.
Anyone with surveillance footage of the area, or other information regarding this investigation who has not yet spoken to police, is asked to call APD Dispatch at 3-1-1 (option #1) or 907-786-8900 (option #0). To remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers online at www.AnchorageCrimeStoppers.com
UPDATE, Sept. 2, 2025: Further investigation revealed the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk when he was struck by a Jeep Cherokee driving westbound in the left lane of Northern Lights Blvd. The vehicle has been located. APD does not have any suspect information to release at this time; no charges have been filed.
The victim has been identified as 63-year-old Arthur Stepetin, Jr. Next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.
UPDATE, Sept. 16, 2025: On September 1, 2025, Anchorage Police located the vehicle involved in this fatal hit and run. Further investigation determined 33-year-old Bessie Binkowski was driving at the time of the incident. An arrest warrant was issued on September 11, 2025. Bessie Binkowski was served her warrant on September 13, 2025, and remanded at Hiland Mountain Correctional Complex on the charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Leaving an Accident Without Assisting the Injured, and Violating Conditions of Release.
