A nearly two months long search by Alaska State Troopers for the person(s) behind a hit and run homicide in Delta Junction ended on Wednesday when Troopers arrested the woman believed to be responsible.
32-year-old Chelsie Erickson of Delta Junction, was arrested on Wednesday, October 17th, for Criminally Negligent Homicide, Failure to Render Aide, and two counts of Tampering with Evidence. 60-year-old Janell Erickson was also arrested for Tampering with Evidence.
The AST investigation which led to Erickson’s arrest stemmed from an incident on August 29th of this year. Around 10:00 p.m. on the evening of the 29th, Troopers received a report of a deceased person in the roadway near milepost 1421 of the Alaska Highway in Delta Junction. Troopers responded, along with assistance from the Rural Deltana and Fort Greely Fire Departments. The deceased individual was determined to be John Emerick, age 47 of Delta Junction, and investigation revealed Emerick had been struck by a vehicle which subsequently fled the scene.
The course of the subsequent investigation/search prompted Troopers to seek assistance from the public. In a report filed on August 30th, AST stated, “The Alaska State Troopers are asking anyone who has information about a hit and run that killed an adult male near Delta Junction yesterday evening around 10 pm. Evidence at the scene has led Troopers to believe that the suspect vehicle is a dark grey or blue vehicle that continued driving towards Tok after the collision.”
Chelsie was developed as a suspect with the assistance of the Technical Crimes Unit in Anchorage, as well as a tip submitted to AST. Based on this information, Troopers from Delta Junction made contact with both Chelsie and Janell Erickson at their home in Delta. A pickup truck was found in a locked shed next to the residence completely concealed with the hood and grill removed, along with other parts of the vehicle. After the pickup was towed from the property, further evidence was discovered on the pickup confirming it was the vehicle that was involved in the crash.
Chelsie and Janell were remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Facility.
AST would like to thank those that submitted tips to AST and through the AKTips app, as it has been crucial to this investigation.
Additionally, as this is an ongoing investigation, AST is requesting anyone with additional information contact the Alaska State Troopers by phone at (907) 451-5100.
