TRAFFIC INVESTIGATION: Minnesota Dr and Northern Lights BLVD

TRAFFIC FATALITY: Minnesota Dr and Northern Lights Blvd

APD CASE: 25-28982

DATE/TIME OF INCIDENT: September 20, 2025, 1:15 AM

ROAD CLOSURES: All westbound lanes of Northern Lights are closed between Spenard and Minnesota  while investigators with the Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) process the scene.  Please use alternative routes. 

UPDATE ROAD CLOSURES: All lanes are now open.

UPDATE NARRATIVE: At 1:15 AM on September 20, 2025, officers responded to Minnesota Dr and Northern Lights Blvd in reference to a vehicle versus pedestrian collision.

The preliminary investigation indicates a mid-size sedan heading North on Minnesota Dr struck a pedestrian while they were on the sidewalk and then struck another vehicle while fleeing the scene. The driver of the vehicle was located with the help of a witness and identified as Joshua Vargas.

Medics from the Anchorage Fire Department arrived and the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s identity will be released once next-of-kin notification procedures have been completed.

The driver of the vehicle was remanded at Anchorage Jail on charges of Manslaughter, DUI, Leaving an Accident without Assisting the Injured, two counts of Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Driving with License Canceled.