Fairbanks driver charged in death of teen cyclist

FAIRBANKS - A grand jury has indicted a Fairbanks driver who struck and killed a 14-year-old bicyclist last month after allegedly running a red light.

District Attorney Mike Gray says 55-year-old Fred Karella is charged with manslaughter and first-degree assault. His arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 14.

Kirsten Tompkins was riding with her 13-year-old brother and a friend when the collision occurred at the intersection of Steese Highway and the Johansen Expressway.

Witnesses told police a pickup driven by Karella ran a red light as the teens were crossing the road.

Kirsten died at the scene.