Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Friday, January 23, 2026
Any charges reported in these press releases are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Detachment ...No news reported.
B Detachment
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AK26006767
Location: WasillaType: Terroristic Threat, VCORDispatch Text:
On 01/23/2026 at approximately 0030 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a harassment in Wasilla. Following the investigation Matthew Bernier, age 20 of Wasilla, was arrested for terroristic threatening in the second degree and violation of conditions of release. Bernier was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial where he was held without bail.
Posted on 1/23/2026 3:09:41 AM by DPS\jrvenable
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AK26007060
Location: PalmerType: Remand to CustodyDispatch Text:
On January 23, 2026, at approximately 0927 hours, Palmer Courthouse staff requested assistance from Palmer Judicial Services in Courtroom 3 for an out-of-custody remand. Maxie William Wassillie, age 41, of Wasilla, pled guilty to one count of Harassment in the First Degree (Case No. 3PA-25-00170CR) during a change-of-plea hearing. Court Services Officers arrested Wassillie and remanded him to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility without incident. He was sentenced to 360 days of incarceration, with 330 days suspended, and placed on probation for five years.
Posted on 1/23/2026 6:54:55 PM by DPS\cglong
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AK26007045
Location: WasillaType: DUIDispatch Text:
On January 23, 2026, at approximately 1709, Alaska State Troopers stopped an ATV driving on the roadway near Lucille Street and Danna Avenue in Wasilla. Investigation showed that the driver of the ATV, David Spear, was under the influence of alcohol, and he was arrested for DUI. He was remanded to MSPT, where he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was charged with misconduct involving a controlled substance in the fifth degree. He was later released on his own recognizance.Posted on 1/23/2026 9:22:06 PM by DPS\cdmertens
C Detachment ...No news reported.
D Detachment
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AK26005090
Location: FairbanksType: DV AssaultDispatch Text:
On January 17, 2026, at approximately 11:05 a.m., Alaska State Troopers received a 911 call reporting a disturbance at a residence in Fairbanks. Investigation revealed a domestic dispute had occurred, resulting in minor injuries to one party; the other party left the scene prior to Trooper arrival. The case remains under investigation and has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Posted on 1/23/2026 7:26:41 AM by DPS\jaevans1
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AK26006779
Location: FairbanksType: Fail to Stop/DUIDispatch Text:
On January 23 at approximately 0141 hours, Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks attempted to stop a black Chevy pickup for a traffic violation. The driver fled, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash several miles away. Two individuals ran from the scene but were later caught. Ivar Carlson was arrested and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, and Felony Failure to Stop, and was remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center.
Posted on 1/23/2026 7:39:46 AM by DPS\kbweeks
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AK26002814
Location: FairbanksType: BurglaryDispatch Text:
Update: On January 29, 2026, at approximately 4:00 pm, the Alaska State Troopers Fairbanks Criminal Suppression Unit located Benjamin Cross at a short-term rental in Fairbanks. Cross was arrested on his outstanding felony arrest warrants and taken to Fairbanks Correctional Center, where he is being held on $500,000 bail. During the course of the investigation, troopers have recovered 31 stolen firearms, accounted for 44 oz of stolen gold, and over $100,000 of purchases made with the stolen property. Troopers also seized two vehicles that were purchased with the money from the stolen property. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects. The Fairbanks CSU would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating Cross. The investigation into the burglary is ongoing.
Update: On January 23, 2026, at approximately 10:00 am, Alaska State Troopers Criminal Suppression Unit in Fairbanks arrested Joshua Reed, age 37, of Fairbanks, and Caitlin Kutina, age 36, of North Pole, for their involvement in the burglary and theft at the property in Ester. Reed was charged with first-degree theft and is being held on $500,000 bail. Kutina was charged with one count of first-degree theft and is being held on $100,000 bail. Additional charges are expected. During the investigation, troopers have seized four vehicles, around 20 guns, and accounted for 40 ounces of stolen gold. The investigation into the theft continues, and Alaska State Troopers are still searching for Benjamin Cross. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact the troopers at (907) 451-5100. You can also submit anonymous tips through the AKTips app.
Original: 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 . Edited on 1/23/2026 11:57:28 AM by DPS\jsdougherty
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AK26006742
Location: SalchaType: DUIDispatch Text:
On January 22nd, 2026, Fairbanks AST received multiple REDDI reports relating to a grey suv driving dangerously. Investigation revealed David Pearson, age 46 of Delta, was driving while under the influence of alcohol. David was arrested and remanded to FCC.
Posted on 1/23/2026 1:05:18 AM by DPS\ctroyer
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AK26007116
Location: Delta JunctionType: MVC Damage/WildlifeDispatch Text:
On January 23, 2026, at approximately 2011 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a motor vehicle collision near Milepost 1367 of the Alaska Highway. Investigation determined that a single vehicle struck wildlife in the roadway, resulting in disabling damage to the vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Posted on 1/23/2026 10:28:37 PM by DPS\melopezmartinez
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