"He needed my police vehicle to do it because driving his own vehicle would cost the city too much in mileage," Seidl said.
Seidl says when Purcell returned the vehicle, he noticed the dash cam video caught the trip on tape. When he pressed Play, Seidl says he was shocked.
"It's one thing to respond to a legitimate emergency call with lights and sirens, or at high speeds," Seidl said. "It's another thing to just sort of do it as a joyride."
The video doesn't show Purcell's face, and the date is different than when he allegedly borrowed the vehicle -- but according to Seidl, a woman seen getting out of it is Purcell's wife. It also reportedly shows Purcell speeding, driving in the oncoming lane and using the police lights to pass people.
"Once I've seen this video and I'm aware of it, I can't just ignore it and then go and enforce the law elsewhere, or write tickets or charge people for other violations of law when I'm aware of this, and then just let it slide," Seidl said.
Seidl says he forwarded the video to Thompson, as well as the Palmer district attorney's office.
"I would like to see him being charged with impersonating a police officer," Thompson said. "I would like to see him have to reimburse the City of Houston, whose funds, public funds that the citizens have -- I think that he should have to reimburse that entire trip."
Thompson says the mayor is not allowed to travel without permission from the city council. She says the city was unaware of the trip, and calls it reckless and dangerous.
"Running with lights on to have people move out of your way is inappropriate," Thompson said. "And him leaving the borough with the vehicle is inappropriate."
Thompson says she has written letters to Alaska Attorney General Dan Sullivan and the Palmer district attorney's office.
No charges have been filed against Purcell. He has called a special hearing Monday concerning Seidl. Details about what will be discussed have not been released.
Last week, Seidl shot eight animals at a local animal shelter. He says he was acting under orders from Purcell.
Contact Jackie Bartz at jbartz@ktuu.com
