Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Friday, January 24, 2025
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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AK25006791
Location: SewardType: MICSDispatch Text:
On 01/22/2025 at about 2217 hours, Seward AST conducted a traffic stop near mile 3 of the Seward Highway. The driver was identified as Andrea Morris, 48 YOA of Seward. The investigation revealed Andrea's vehicle was not properly registered or titled, and that she didn't have proof of liability insurance. Andrea's vehicle was impounded pending proof of ownership and insurance. During an inventory search of Andrea's vehicle, drug paraphernalia was discovered. Andrea's purse was seized pending the application of a search warrant. Seward AST was granted the search warrant and executed it the following day. The search revealed suspected illicit drugs. Charges for misconduct involving controlled substances (MICS) are expected pending confirmatory testing from the crime laboratory.
UPDATE
The crime laboratory identified the substance as fentanyl. Seward AST has requested that an arrest warrant be issued for one count of MICS in the fourth degree.
Posted on 1/24/2025 3:14:38 PM by DPS\jlyavorsky
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AK25007123
Location: SewardType: DWLR, No Insurance, Fail to Transfer TitleDispatch Text:
On 01/23/2025 at about 1904 hours, Seward AST conducted a traffic stop near mile 3 of the Seward Highway. The driver was identified as Ethan Lane. The investigation revealed that Ethan was driving with a revoked license (DWLR) and without motor vehicle liability insurance. Furthermore, the vehicle was not properly registered or titled. Ethan was placed under arrest for 1 count of DWLR, 1 count of no insurance, and 1 count of fail to transfer title. Ethan's vehicle was impounded and will be held pending proof of ownership and insurance. Ethan was remanded to Spring Creek Correctional Center on the aforementioned charges and later released on his own recognizance.
Posted on 1/24/2025 2:27:36 PM by DPS\jlyavorsky
B Detachment
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AK25007165
Location: PalmerType: DUIDispatch Text:
On 01/23/2024 at approximately 2215 hours Alaska State Troopers responded to a vehicle in a ditch on Old Matanuska RD near the Seward Meridian PKWY intersection. Investigation revealed, Ducine McLaughlin, age 51 of Palmer, was operating the vehicle intoxicated. Ducine was arrested transported and remanded at Mat-Su Pretrial for driving under the influence.
Posted on 1/24/2025 5:45:52 AM by DPS\wrhuston
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AK25006986
Location: WasillaType: Death InvestigationDispatch Text:
On January 23, 2025, at approximately 2:10 PM, Alaska State Troopers and EMS responded to a medical assistance call in Wasilla. Upon arrival, Troopers found Aaron Damkoehler, 42, of Wasilla, unresponsive. Troopers initiated CPR until EMS personnel arrived and took over. Despite their efforts, Damkoehler was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Evidence of controlled substances was discovered at the location, prompting the State Medical Examiner to conduct an investigation. The next of kin has been notified.
Posted on 1/24/2025 7:22:34 AM by DPS\jrvenable
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AK25007081
Location: WasillaType: DUI, Child EndangermentDispatch Text:
On 1/23/2025 at approximately 1552 hours, the Alaska State Troopers received a REDDI report of a driver under the influence of alcohol at Goose Bay Elementary School. The driver, identified as Eden McNeil (30yoa) of Wasilla, was operating a motor vehicle and had driven away from the school with 5 children in her vehicle. Eden was found and stopped by Troopers near the school and arrested for DUI and endangering the welfare of a child x5. Eden was transported to Mat-Su Pretrial and held per the bail schedule.
Posted on 1/24/2025 9:24:51 AM by DPS\cnfouts
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AK21146469
Location: WasillaType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On 1/24/25 at approximately 1500 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence on Helen Drive in Wasilla and contacted Jessie Ottoson, age 38, of Wasilla. An investigation revealed Ottoson had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. Ottoson was arrested for his warrants and transported to MSPT for remand.
Posted on 1/24/2025 4:14:23 PM by DPS\makessler
C Detachment
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AK25006344
Location: AniakType: Theft, non -vehicleDispatch Text:
On 01/21/2025 at approximately 15:19 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a theft. The investigation is ongoing.
Posted on 1/24/2025 12:22:36 PM by DPS\tjsmith3
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AK25006346
Location: Hooper BayType: Assault - DVDispatch Text:
On 01/21/2025 at approximately 15:38 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault - DV. Investigation resulted in the arrest of John Olson III of Hooper Bay for Assault 4.
Posted on 1/24/2025 12:23:33 PM by DPS\tjsmith3
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AK25006408
Location: NapakiakType: Assault - DVDispatch Text:
On 01/21/2025 at approximately 15:38 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault - DV. Investigative results have been referred to the DA's office for review and charging determination.
Posted on 1/24/2025 12:24:26 PM by DPS\tjsmith3
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AK25006497
Location: Saint Mary'sType: Assault - DVDispatch Text:
On 01/22/2025 at approximately 05:08 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault - DV. Investigation continues.
Posted on 1/24/2025 12:25:27 PM by DPS\tjsmith3
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AK25006675
Location: TogiakType: Weapon ViolationDispatch Text:
On 01/22/2025 at approximately 15:12 hours, Alaska State Troopers received several reports of gunshots being fired in Togiak. Unable to confirm who fired the shots. Case closed pending further information.
Posted on 1/24/2025 12:26:37 PM by DPS\tjsmith3
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AK25006745
Location: Saint Mary'sType: DrugsDispatch Text:
On 01/22/2025 at approximately 12:00 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a drug crime tip reporting drugs were enroute on a local air carrier to St. Mary's. Subsequent investigation resulted in alcohol, marijuana as well as hashish oil and marijuana vapes being seized. The suspects were under the legal age of 21 years old to possess Alcohol or Marijuana. Investigative results have been referred to the DA's office for review and charging determination.
Posted on 1/24/2025 12:28:34 PM by DPS\tjsmith3
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AK25006783
Location: NapaskiakType: Assault - DVDispatch Text:
On 01/22/2025 at approximately 21:40 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault - DV. Investigative results have been referred to the DA's office for review and charging determination.
Posted on 1/24/2025 12:29:28 PM by DPS\tjsmith3
D Detachment
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Department of Public Safety Advisory
Location: Interior AlaskaAdvisory Text:
Attention Interior Alaska drivers: roads across the interior are extremely icy, and we are receiving reports of dozens of vehicles in the ditch and collisions. Only drive if absolutely necessary. If you must travel, please follow these tips to make sure you get to your destination safely.
-Drive slowly and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
-Keep your headlights on at all times.
-Increase your following distance, and remember that stopping will take longer.
-Wear your seatbelt.
-Slow down and give room to emergency and DOT vehicles. -Don't drive distracted; it's dangerous and against the law.
-Check Alaska 511 Traveler Information for the latest road conditions.
Posted on 1/24/2025 10:10:20 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel
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AK25007257
Location: FairbanksType: Criminal Trespass (DV)Dispatch Text:
On 01/24/2025 at approximately 0741 Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence in Fairbanks where they contacted Mychal James (32M). Mychal was found to be unlawfully remaining in the residence and in possession of a concealed .45 caliber handgun without the express permission of the dwelling's owner. Mychal was remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center on charges of Criminal Trespass in the First Degree (DV) and Misconduct Involving Weapons in the Fifth Degree.
Posted on 1/24/2025 11:09:44 AM by SOA\kjlousch
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AK25006742
Location: TanacrossType: DisturbanceDispatch Text:
On 1/22/25, at 1456 hours, AST received a report of a text message being sent to the work place. This incident was investigated by a Trooper and the DAO was consulted in this matter. On 1/24/25, at 0834 hours, a second complaint was filed and was investigated. This incident is currently under investigation and a report will be sent to the DAO for review.
Posted on 1/24/2025 11:38:24 AM by DPS\mfhaglin
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AK25007143
Location: FairbanksType: Assault 3Dispatch Text:
On January 23, 2025, at approximately 1931 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a 911 phone call reporting a disturbance at a residence in Fairbanks. Troopers responded to the situation and determined that a domestic violence assault in the second degree had taken place, the investigation is ongoing.
Posted on 1/24/2025 2:52:33 PM by DPS\kbweeks
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AK25007254
Location: FairbanksType: MVC- InjuryDispatch Text:
On 01/24/2025 at 0835 hours, Troopers responded to an MVC involving a bicyclist. A semi-truck lost control on the icy roads and struck a bicyclist on the Parks Highway at low speeds. The bicyclist suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Posted on 1/24/2025 2:55:00 PM by DPS\hrchurness
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AK24100079
Location: FairbanksType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On January 23, 2025, at 2220 hours, the Alaska State Troopers contacted Franky Baker during a traffic stop in the area of South Cushman. Franky was found to have outstanding warrant for failure to appear. Franky was remanded to FCC on his warrant.
Posted on 1/24/2025 3:05:18 PM by DPS\jldreher
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AK25007542
Location: Delta JunctionType: Criminal MischiefDispatch Text:
On 1-24-25, Delta Junction AST received a report of a disturbance near Dorshorst Rd in Delta. It was reported a family member had broken some items and knocked items over. Investigation led to parties separating and charges for Criminal Mischief will be forwarded over to the District Attorney's office for review.
Posted on 1/24/2025 10:32:33 PM by DPS\cihudson
E Detachment ...No news reported.
Headquarters ...No news reported.
AK Wildlife Troopers ...No news reported.
AK Bureau of Investigation
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AK25007158
Location: KasilofType: Officer Involved ShootingDispatch Text:
UPDATE 1/27: Three law enforcement officers assigned to the Alaska State Troopers Southern SWAT Team discharged their firearms during the SWAT operation. They are identified as:
- Alaska State Trooper Sergeant Ethan Norwood, a 12-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers
- Alaska State Trooper Jonathan Lindblom, a 2-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers
- Homer Police Officer Charles Lee, a 4-year veteran of the Homer Police Department
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the incident. Once their investigation is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.
UPDATE 1/24 3:45 pm: The deceased adult male's next of kin have been notified; he is identified as 32-year-old Kasilof resident Mason Toloff.
ORIGINAL: On January 23, 2025, around 10:05 pm, the Alaska State Troopers received a 911 call about a man yelling and discharging a firearm near Crooked Creek Road in Kasilof. Patrol troopers responded and located the man, who then threatened to shoot the Troopers. The Alaska State Troopers Southern SWAT Team was activated and responded to the scene. After the SWAT team arrived, they took command of the situation and began negotiation efforts with the adult male suspect. A short time later, they deployed a drone outside of the residence, which the suspect shot at multiple times. After shooting at the drone, the adult man shot at an Alaska State Trooper in uniform, striking the Trooper in the leg. The Trooper was taken to a Kenai Peninsula hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. At approximately 2:19 am, the man again pointed his shotgun at law enforcement officers, and multiple SWAT officers shot at the man. He was declared deceased at the scene. His body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy, and next of kin notifications are underway. Once the next of kin has been notified, his name will be released. No other persons were injured during the incident.
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation has assumed case responsibility and will conduct a thorough criminal investigation into the law enforcement officers use of lethal force. Once their investigation is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions. The law enforcement officers who discharged their firearms have been placed on 72 hours of administrative leave in accordance with Alaska Department of Public Safety policy. The names of the officers who discharged their firearms will be released in 72 hours.
Posted on 1/24/2025 8:40:40 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel
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