Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Monday, January 12, 2026
Any charges reported in these press releases are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Detachment
-
AK26003102
Location: Anchor PointType: Assault 4th, Criminally negligent burning 2nd, Criminal Mischief 5thDispatch Text:
On 1/11/26 at approximately 1520 hours, Anchor Point AST took the report of a disturbance in the Valleyside Avenue area just north of Anchor Point. AST responded and subsequent investigation revealed Sonja Sue Hartman (38 YOA) of Anchor Point had assaulted her partner resulting in injury, damaged property of another by lighting it on fire, and damaged additional property by driving over items multiple times with a vehicle. Hartman was arrested and transported to Homer Jail for booking with no bail.
Posted on 1/12/2026 12:40:32 PM by DPS\ajflowers
-
AK26002068
Location: Anchor PointType: DVPO ViolationDispatch Text:
On 1/08/26 at approximately 0423 hours, Anchor Point AST took the report of a Domestic Violence Protective Order violation in the Anchor Point area. The complainant was stating that Carl Canard (45 YOA) of Anchor Point had violated a long-term protective order by sending a text message to her phone earlier that morning. Troopers contacted Canard on 1/10/26 in the Valleyside Ave. area just north of Anchor Point. Subsequent investigation revealed he had violated the order by sending a text message to the petitioner. Canard was issued a misdemeanor citation for violating a DVPO with a mandatory court date set for later.
Posted on 1/12/2026 12:58:57 PM by DPS\ajflowers
-
AK25128409
Location: KetchikanType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On 01/12/2026 at about 2030 hours, the Alaska State Troopers contacted and arrested Christina Goodwin, age 39 of Ketchikan at a residence in the 2400 Block of Eagle Avenue. Goodwin was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for three counts of VCOR. Goodwin was transported and remanded to Ketchikan Correctional Center.
Posted on 1/12/2026 10:32:47 PM by DPS\jpbeaudoin
B Detachment
-
AK25123715
Location: WasillaType: Structure FireDispatch Text:
UPDATE, Jan. 12, 2026: The State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Ryan McDonough died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is active and ongoing. The preliminary investigation determined foul play was not suspected to be a factor in McDonough’s death.
UPDATE, 3:35 p.m. Dec. 15, 2025: The preliminary investigation indicates the deceased male located in the residence is Ryan McDonough. The remains were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and positive identification. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is ongoing.
UPDATE, 2 p.m. Dec. 14, 2025: The remains of an adult male were recovered from the scene and will be transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is ongoing.
ORIGINAL: On Dec. 13, 2025, Alaska State Troopers received a report around 6:50 p.m. of a residential fire on West Discovery Loop in Wasilla. Troopers responded along with local fire and EMS. The structure was fully engulfed with flames upon arrival. Ryan McDonough, 46, lived at the residence and is unaccounted for. Other residents of the home are safe. The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing.
Posted on 12/14/2025 9:32:47 AM by SOA\tewilliams . Edited on 1/12/2026 10:45:04 AM by DPS\tewilliams
-
AK26003214
Location: GlennallenType: Probation Violation, DUI, RefusalDispatch Text:
On 01/12/2026 at approximately 0041 hours a Trooper was on routine patrol in Glennallen and stopped out with a suspicious vehicle near the Prince William Sound Apartments. After further investigation, Venessa Murphy 10/13/1985 was arrested and remanded for DUI and Refusal to submit to Chemical Test. A passenger, Abdullah Bates 09/16/1981, was arrested and remanded for Probation Violation.Posted on 1/12/2026 3:38:09 AM by DPS\hrchurness
-
AK26003192
Location: GlennallenType: Deceased PersonDispatch Text:
On 01/11/2025 at approximately 2245 hours Troopers and VPSO's were dispatched to a death investigation in the Glennallen area. Investigation revealed Margaret Kanerva had passed away of suspected natural causes. Next of kin was notified.Posted on 1/12/2026 3:41:19 AM by DPS\hrchurness
C Detachment ...No news reported.
D Detachment
-
AK26003531
Location: FairbanksType: Death InvestigationDispatch Text:
On January 12th, 2026, at approximately 1730 hours Fairbanks AST received a report of an unexpected death on Old Chatanika Trail. Investigation revealed Paul Knight, age 56 of Fairbanks, had passed away in his residence. No foul play is suspected. The State Medical Examiners Office was contacted and released the body to family. Next of Kin has been notified.Posted on 1/12/2026 10:50:56 PM by DPS\ctroyer
-
AK26003430
Location: HealyType: Abandoned VehicleDispatch Text:
On 01/12/2026, Alaska State Troopers responded to an abandoned vehicle in Healy. The investigation found the vehicle was abandoned; however, the owner rectified the the situation. A citation for illegal parking was issued.
Posted on 1/12/2026 11:45:49 PM by DPS\japoole
Accessibility