Woman charged, pleads not guilty in hit-and-run

Authorities charged Chloe “Coco” Massin in connection with a February vehicle-pedestrian collision that landed a Wrangell man in the hospital, according to court documents.

Massin, 55, of Wrangell, faces one count of assault in the first degree, leaving the scene of an accident without assisting the injured, driving under the influence, failing to provide immediate notice of an accident, and failure to carry proof of auto insurance. Massin pled not guilty to all charges April 23 before Judge Trevor Stevens, according to court documents.

According to a criminal complaint filed April 23 in the State of Alaska Trial Courts First District at Wrangell, William Rue, the pedestrian, was found lying on his side between L N M Services and the Elks Lodge about 10 p.m. Feb. 3. Rue told authorities he had been hit by a truck, but provided no additional information, according to the complaint.

Massin turned herself in the following afternoon, authorities said. In the complaint, Massin estimated her alcohol intake at between four and five beers. Authorities estimate Massin had eight beers, according to the complaint.

Rue and several other people wanted a ride in Massin’s truck to the Marine Bar, but Massin believed Rue wouldn’t fit in the truck and started to drive off, until other passengers told her to stop because Rue had fallen. Massin thought Rue had fallen, but Rue said she might have run him over, according to the complaint.

The assault charge is a class A felony, for which Massin faces a maximum term of 20 years, according to Alaska State Statute. In first offense cases, like Massin’s, the suggested term of imprisonment is five to eight years upon conviction, according to statutes.

Leaving the scene of an accident is technically an unclassified offense, but carries a maximum prison term of 10 years or a fine of $10,000, according to Alaska State Statute.

A first offense on driving under the influence carries a minimum imprisonment of 72 hours and a fine of not less than $1,500.

Failure to provide proof of insurance carries a $500 fine.

Rue was transported to Seattle for injuries sustained to his ribs and lungs, according to the complaint.

Massin is being represented by a public defender, according to court documents.

A trial date has been scheduled for June 24, court documents show.