Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Any charges reported in these press releases are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Detachment
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AK26004016
Location: NinilchikType: DWLCDispatch Text:
On 1/14/26 at approximately 1140 hours, Anchor Point AST took the report of a damage only MVC at the intersection of Deep Creek Rd. and the Sterling Highway near Ninilchik. Troopers arrived on scene and identified one of the drivers as Charles W. Tangman (41 YOA) of Anchor Point. Troopers confirmed with dispatch and APSIN that Tangman’s license is cancelled and that he has multiple convictions for DWLC within the past 10 years, most recently on 8/20/25. Tangman was issued a misdemeanor citation for DWLC with a court date set for later and a citation for failure to provide proof of insurance.
Posted on 1/14/2026 4:30:07 PM by DPS\ajflowers
B Detachment
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AK26003941
Location: PalmerType: DUI / RefusalDispatch Text:
On 01-14-2026 at approximately 0730 hours, AST received a report of a vehicle stuck in a ditch in Palmer. AST responded to assist, and investigation revealed the driver of the vehicle, Thomas Rhodes (08/31/1970) committed the crime of DUI. He was arrested and processed; he refused to provide a sufficient breath sample and was charged for both DUI and Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test. He was transported to MSPT and held per the bail schedule for the above offenses.Posted on 1/14/2026 1:45:23 PM by DPS\cataratko
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AK26003783
Location: WasillaType: SWAT ResponseDispatch Text:
On Jan. 13, 2026, Alaska State Troopers’ Southcentral SWAT team assisted the Wasilla Police Department in arresting a man on an outstanding warrant. Aaron Dagley, 34, was believed to be armed and barricaded in a motel room. During the response, troopers spent hours negotiating with Dagley before they breached the door and deployed chemical munitions. Dagley dropped his weapon and surrendered to SWAT without further incident. He was remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility on his outstanding warrant for third-degree assault, misconduct involving weapons and reckless endangerment.
Posted on 1/14/2026 11:44:56 AM by DPS\tewilliams
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AK26003865
Location: WasillaType: Criminal MischiefDispatch Text:
On 01/13/2026 at approximately 1929 hours, the Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence in Wasilla reference a domestic disturbance. Troopers contacted an individual, who stated Ian Collins age 36 of Wasilla, had damaged property inside the residence and caused the individual to be in fear of injury. Ian was arrested for DV Criminal Mischief 4, Fear Assault 4, Violate Conditions of Release, and two counts of Assault in the Presence of a Child and remanded at MSPT with no bail.Posted on 1/14/2026 5:23:26 AM by DPS\bmkadow
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AK26003572
Location: WasillaType: Vehicle Theft 1Dispatch Text:
On 1/13/26 at approximately 0353 hours, AST received a report of a vehicle theft in Houston. Investigation revealed that Korie Russell, age 35 of Wasilla, stole a vehicle and drove it to a residence in Wasilla. On 1/14/26 at approximately 0140 hours, AST contacted Korie on a traffic stop in Wasilla. Korie was arrested for multiple outstanding warrants and for Vehicle Theft 1, and remanded to MSPT.
Posted on 1/14/2026 5:47:10 AM by DPS\lefarrelly
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AK26004084
Location: Big LakeType: DV AssaultDispatch Text:
On 01/14/2026 AST Dispatch received a report of a disturbance in Big Lake. Troopers responded to the scene and an investigation revealed that Michael Hadden, aged 31 of Big Lake, had assaulted a household member. Michael was arrested, transported, and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial where he is being held without bail.
Posted on 1/14/2026 5:15:53 PM by DPS\wrhuston
C Detachment ...No news reported.
D Detachment
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AK26003888
Location: Delta JunctionType: Semi-truck VIDDispatch Text:
On January 13, 2026, at approximately 2116 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a semi-truck that had left the roadway at mile 1418 of the Alaska Highway in Delta Junction. The semi was en route to Salcha carrying mining explosives. The cargo remained intact, with no damage or spillage. Owners are in the process of setting up recovery operations. There is no risk of explosion and no public safety hazard at this time. Due to the nature of the cargo, AST will remain on scene until recovery operations begin.
Posted on 1/14/2026 6:48:54 AM by DPS\pptesta
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AK26002814
Location: FairbanksType: BurglaryDispatch Text:
On January 10, 2026, Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks received a report of a burglary at a property in Ester, Alaska. Alaska State Troopers responded to the property and determined that a safe, containing gold, jewelry and guns, had been emptied. Troopers estimate the value of the stolen items to be worth over $500,000. There was also significant damage caused to the property during the burglary. Troopers identified Benjamin Cross, age 37 of North Pole, as a suspect in the case. A search of his property identified 13 guns that were stolen from the safe. Cross is wanted on a $500,000 warrant for Burglary, Theft 2 and Misconduct Involving a Weapon. Troopers also identified Gene Utley, age 39, of North Pole, as a person of interest in the case.
Anyone with information regarding Cross’ or Utley’s location is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 451-5100. You can also submit a tip via text message by texting AKTIPS and your tip to 847411.Posted on 1/14/2026 12:43:24 PM by DPS\jsdougherty
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AK26004197
Location: FairbanksType: Deceased PersonDispatch Text:
On January 14th, 2026, at approximately 1910 hours, Fairbanks AST received a report of a deceased person in the area of Lakeview Terrace. INV revealed Paula Ward, 67 of Fairbanks, was located deceased in her home. No foul play is suspected. The State Medical Examiner's office released the body. Next of Kin has been notified.
Posted on 1/14/2026 10:05:17 PM by DPS\ctroyer
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AK26004139
Location: FairbanksType: Vehicle Theft, False InformationDispatch Text:
On January 14th, 2026, Fairbanks AST received a report that a stolen vehicle had been located at Sunrise Bagel on Geist Rd. Anthony Pitka was located in the vehicle and provided AST with a false name. Anthony was arrested and remanded to FCC for Vehicle Theft I and False Information.
Posted on 1/14/2026 10:07:55 PM by DPS\ctroyer
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