The sister alleged Buchanan drove away in a Ford sedan. Police allege they saw Buchanan driving and that she failed field-sobriety tests and had a breath-alcohol level of .103. Police said Buchanan told them she had three drinks at a Seldovia bar before they contacted her. Police charged Buchanan with fourth-degree assault, domestic violence, and driving under the influence.
The wife of a Homer police officer at about 1:30 a.m. Sept. 6 told her husband she heard loud voices near their downtown Homer home. In a criminal complaint, police allege she said a man said "Jamie! Get in the truck now!" and someone else mentioned hiding illegal drugs. She then saw a yellow Jeep drive away. The officer called police.
Officer Andy DeVeaux arrived in the area and saw a green 2000 Toyota pickup truck in the ditch on the side of the road. While police waited for a tow truck, a 1996 green Chevrolet turned onto the street and drove by slowly. Police recognized the driver and her passenger and knew the passenger had a yellow Jeep. An Alaska State Trooper stopped the green Chevrolet on Bartlett Street. The registered owner of the Toyota was found in the Chevrolet.
Police contacted the suspect, James L. Jell, 26. Police allege he told them he drove the Toyota into the ditch. They allege Jell failed field-sobriety tests and had a breath-alcohol level of .195. Jell is alleged to have had prior DUI related convictions in Alaska and Utah since Jan. 1, 1996, and was arrested for felony DUI.
Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael.armstrong @homernews.com.
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