First day of session starts with crash

JUNEAU It wasn't the sort of excitement state officials expected Monday morning.

While Gov. Frank Murkowski was at the Alaska Capitol for the first day of the 2004 legislative session, shortly after 11 a.m., a Chevrolet Blazer crashed into the fence at his official residence.

"I was expecting it to turn," said Ray Tsang, a witness who was walking on the sidewalk nearby. He didn't see any indication that the vehicle skidded.

"It took out a couple of 10-foot panels," said Karen Newton, manager of the executive residence and assistant to the first lady.

The driver attempted to leave the scene but pulled into the front driveway where he was confronted by officers. Police identified the driver as Robert E. Riggs, 27, a Juneau resident.

Police reported that Riggs' blood-alcohol level was more than three times Alaska's legal threshold of .08 percent. He was charged with misdemeanor drunken driving.

Officers estimated damage to the fence would cost $500.