PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — A Provo soldier was tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver while serving at Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Pfc. Arturo Alejandro Gomez, 29, of Provo, Utah, was an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. The Fairbanks Police Department said he had joined the Army in July 2023 and trained at Ft. Moore, Georgia before being assigned to Alaska in February.
“Pfc. Gomez showed great promise in his short time with the Artic Wolves,” said Col. Christopher Brawley, 1/11th brigade commander. “The loss of Pfc. Gomez has had a devastating impact on the unit. We are doing our best to support his family, friends, and fellow soldiers in the aftermath of this tragic and senseless incident.”
Gomez was working as a gate guard at the Ft. Waitwright main gate on Monday, July 22, when he was struck by the suspect, identified as Brianna Raquel Lapp, 31.
Police say Lapp had been driving at a “high rate of speed,” through intersections, ditches, and over medians. She allegedly struck two cars and a traffic control sign before driving toward a construction area near the Fort’s visitors center. She then drove through a portion of the fence and continued before she struck Gomez.
Multiple witnesses reported that Gomez had attempted to run out of the way to avoid being struck.
“The death of this soldier was senseless and preventable,” stated FPD Chief Ron Dupee. “I find it incredibly tragic that this young man who joined the military service was senselessly run down right here in the country that he signed up to protect. His life was taken away and this deeply impacts the entire Ft. Wainwright and Fairbanks community.”
When military personnel apprehended Lapp, they said her Toyota 4-Runner had “significant damage.” Lapp reportedly had poor mobility, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol. Lapp’s breath alcohol content was reportedly .299, over three and a half times the legal limit in Alaska.
Fairbanks Police said Lapp could not remember hitting anyone.
Lapp was taken into custody on a $1-million bail. She was charged with DUI, manslaughter, and murder II. The incident is still currently under investigation.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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