Troopers seek Palmer driver who crashed into patrol car

WASILLA — Alaska State Troopers are looking for a Palmer driver who crashed into a patrol car and was arrested but escaped as he was preparing to receive medical treatment.

Troopers are seeking 33-year-old John Linebaugh.

Troopers just after 3 a.m. Thursday tried to stop a car on the Parks Highway for traffic violations but the driver took off.

Troopers said the driver exceeded 100 mph, ran stop signs and drove south in northbound lanes of the highway before exiting.

The vehicle struck into a marked trooper patrol car and crashed into a Wasilla roundabout.

The driver, Linebaugh, fled on foot but was arrested by a Wasilla police officer.

Troopers said Linebaugh was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center but fled from hospital staff.

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