Kodiak police have identified the woman who was killed in a hit and run case early yesterday morning as Natalya Isatchenko of Kodiak.
A driver has been arrested in this case, Merlyn Armstrong of Kodiak, age 59.
Armstrong has been charged with failure to render aid. If convicted, it’s a charge that could result in 10 years jail time, a $10,000 fine, or both.
Isatchenko’s body was found off West Rezanof Road near Pier III around 6:20 a.m. yesterday. Police did not provide an age for Itsatchenko, who was known in the community to have struggled with mental health issues and was occasionally homeless. She was originally from Khazakhstan, a former Soviet Republican in Central Asia and had worked in area canneries. She had recently talked about going home. In a statement, police said next of kin has been notified.
Lt. Francis de la Fuente says Kodiak police are still asking for help from drivers who might have been in the area at the between 5:45 to 6:30 a.m.
De la Fuente says if you observed anything during that time period, even if it might not seem significant to you, it might help police with their investigation.
“We have the vehicle and the driver. We’ just trying to make the timeline better,” de la Fuente said. “At least we can add pieces together. It is a big puzzle.”
If you have information, De la Fuente asks that you call Sergeant Kathleen Gambling at (907) 486-8000.
Anonymous tips can also be made to the Kodiak Crime Stoppers Hotline at 486-3113, or through the smart phone application “P3” by Anderson Software, LLC.