Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Friday, January 30, 2026
Any charges reported in these press releases are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Detachment
-
AK26005839
Location: KetchikanType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On 01/30/2026 at about 1940 hours, the Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a gray Ford Fusion for a moving violation in the 2300 Block of 1st Avenue. The passenger Robert James, age 48 of Ketchikan was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant. James had an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Ketchikan Courthouse for Failure to Appear for pre-trial conference hearing stemming from the original charges of Interfere with an Arrest and Hindering Prosecution in the 2nd Degree. James was arrested, transported and remanded to Ketchikan Correctional Center. Bail set at $500.00.
Posted on 1/30/2026 9:23:04 PM by DPS\jpbeaudoin
-
AK26009397
Location: Anchor PointType: Structure Fire / Death InvestigationDispatch Text:
On 1/30/2026, Alaska State Troopers, the Anchorage Deputy Fire Marshall, and Western Emergency Services responded to a residence on Tall Tree Ave for a structure fire. Subsequent investigation determined the sole victim was likely Michael Dirks (age 64 of Anchor Point). Michael was declared deceased at the scene, and the remains have been sent to the medical examiner's office. Next-of-kin have been notified.
Posted on 1/30/2026 9:50:54 PM by DPS\jalindblom
B Detachment
-
AK26009174
Location: WasillaType: WarrantDispatch Text:
On 01/30/2026, AST contacted Stetson Conway, aged 40 of Glennallen, in Wasilla. Investigation revealed that Stetson had an outstanding arrest warrant. Stetson was arrested, transported and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial.
Posted on 1/30/2026 5:03:41 PM by DPS\wrhuston
-
AK26004770
Location: WasillaType: TheftDispatch Text:
On 01/16/2026, AST received a report of the theft and unauthorized use of a credit card. Investigation revealed Bobby Doisher, 29, of Wasilla, had used the credit card without the owner’s authorization to make purchases. Doisher was arrested and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial on charges of Fraudulent Use of an Access Device or ID Document and Theft in the 4th Degree. Doisher is being held without bail.
Posted on 1/30/2026 6:53:43 PM by DPS\aedanaher
-
AK26009370
Location: WasillaType: BurglaryDispatch Text:
On January 30, 2026 at approximately 1823 hours, the Alaska State Troopers were dispatched to an apartment complex in Wasilla for a report of a home invasion. Investigation revealed that Dominic Debonneville, 59 years old of Wasilla, had kicked his neighbor's front door in and challenged the occupants to a physical fight. Alcohol is believed to be a significant factor. Debonneville was arrested and remanded to Mat Su Pre-Trial on the following charges: First Degree Burglary, Third Degree Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct, and two counts of Fourth Degree Assault.Posted on 1/30/2026 7:41:59 PM by DPS\cbjoslin
-
AK26009354
Location: WasillaType: Driving While License Suspended, Fail to StopDispatch Text:
On January 30, 2026, at approximately 1425, Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a driver on W Full Curl Avenue in Wasilla. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, later identified as Clifford Crabtree, did not stop as soon as practical, and was later determined to be driving while his license was suspended. Clifford was arrested for driving while license suspended and fail to stop at the direction of a peace officer. Clifford was transported to Mat-Su Pretrial without incident, where he was later released on his own recognizance.Posted on 1/30/2026 9:15:19 PM by DPS\cdmertens
-
AK26009126
Location: WasillaType: DV Assault,Criminal Mischief, Warrant arrestDispatch Text:
On 01/30/2026 at approximately 0248 hours, AST received a report of a disturbance in the area of Bonaparte Ave in Wasilla. Investigation revealed that Holly Hardwig had assaulted her boyfriend and damaged a door in the residence. Investigation also revealed that Holly had an outstanding arrest warrant for Failure to appear on the original charge of Theft 4. Holly was placed under arrest and transported to Mat-Su Pretrial, where she was held without bail.Posted on 1/30/2026 5:36:24 AM by DPS\atbelliston
-
AK26008892
Location: WasillaType: FTYDispatch Text:
On 01/29/2026 at approximately 1206 hours, Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Jason Echeverri, 42, of Wasilla. Echeverri failed to stop upon the direction of a peace officer and took evasive action before ultimately yielding to law enforcement. During the investigation, Troopers determined that Echeverri was in violation of his conditions of release and was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Echeverri also engaged in behavior that constituted harassment.
Echeverri was arrested and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial on the following charges:
- Failure to Stop at the Direction of a Peace Officer
- Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree
- Violating Conditions of Release
- Harassment in the First DegreePosted on 1/30/2026 8:14:13 AM by DPS\aedanaher
-
AK26007909
Location: PalmerType: Warrant/Animal CrueltyDispatch Text:
On 1/30/2026 AST located Angela Walker. She had a warrant for her arrest for 3 counts of Cruelty to Animals AS 11.61.140(a)(1). She was remanded and held on $2,500 bail until conditions are set.Posted on 1/30/2026 1:33:51 PM by DPS\wmbooth
-
AK26009380
Location: PalmerType: ArrestDispatch Text:
On 01/30/2026 at approximately 1828 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to aa assault in Wasilla. Following the investigation Joyce Talahytewa, age 36 of Wasilla, was arrested for domestic violence related assault in the second degree, assault in the fourth degree, and assault in the presence of a child. Talahytewa was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial where she was held without bail.Posted on 1/30/2026 11:13:56 PM by DPS\mcquick
C Detachment ...No news reported.
D Detachment
-
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 1/30/2026 10:04:11 AM by DPS\jsdougherty
-
AK26009022
Location: Delta JunctionType: MVCDispatch Text:
On January 29, 2026, at approximately 1428 hours, AST responded to milepost 218 of the Richardson Hwy for a motor vehicle collision report. Investigation on going.
Posted on 1/30/2026 3:19:39 PM by DPS\melopezmartinez
E Detachment ...No news reported.
Headquarters ...No news reported.
AK Wildlife Troopers ...No news reported.
AK Bureau of Investigation
-
AK25007918
Location: SoldotnaType: Enticement of a MinorDispatch Text:
On Jan. 26, 2025, Alaska State Troopers in Soldotna received a report of inappropriate internet activity involving a minor and originating on Roblox. During a lengthy investigation, troopers identified 29-year-old Jacob Lemaitre of Indiana as a suspect. On Dec. 3, 2025, a Kenai Grand Jury indicted Lemaitre on seven counts of enticement of a minor and three counts of distribution of indecent materials to a minor. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered Lemaitre had sexually abused a separate minor in Indiana. Two troopers traveled to Indiana on Jan. 27, 2026. They worked with the Indiana State Police and Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department to arrest Lemaitre and serve additional search warrants. Lemaitre was remanded to the Elkhart County Correctional Complex in Indiana on the extraditable Alaska warrant, and the separate felony child molestation charge originating out of Indiana. The investigation is active and ongoing, and additional charges in Alaska are possible.
Posted on 1/30/2026 2:51:02 PM by DPS\tewilliams
Accessibility