Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Sunday, January 4, 2026

Any charges reported in these press releases are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A Detachment

• AK26000937

  Location: Anchor Point

  Type: DUI / Reckless Driving / Assault 3

  Dispatch Text:

  On 1/4/2025, A Trooper in Anchor Point was on patrol when a vehicle entered his lane and forced the Trooper to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision. A traffic stop was conducted and subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Paul Davis (age 70 of Anchor Point) for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Assault in the 3rd Degree. Paul later provided a breath sample with a resulting BrAC of .145. Paul was remanded to Homer Jail and held without bail.

  Posted on 1/4/2026 11:46:53 PM by DPS\jalindblom

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B Detachment

• AK25126379

  Location: Wasilla

  Type: Warrant Arrest x 2

  Dispatch Text:

  On 1/4/26 at approximately 1230 hours, Alaska State Troopers contacted Jason Echeverri, age 42 of Big Lake, and Amy Padie, age 43 of Big Lake, at a residence on Greensward Drive in Wasilla. A records check revealed that both Echeverri and Padie had outstanding warrants for their arrest the original charge of MICS 5. Both were arrested for their warrants and transported to MSPT for remand.

  Posted on 1/4/2026 2:11:47 PM by DPS\makessler

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C Detachment ...No news reported.

D Detachment

• AK26000852

  Location: North Pole

  Type: Deceased Person

  Dispatch Text:

  On January 4, 2026, at approximately 10:50 hours, AST responded to a notification of a deceased individual in North Pole. The remains have been released to the assigned funeral home. The investigation is ongoing. 

  Posted on 1/4/2026 4:11:39 PM by DPS\cjmorlang

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E Detachment ...No news reported.

Headquarters ...No news reported.

AK Wildlife Troopers ...No news reported.

AK Bureau of Investigation

• AK25129206

  Location: Fairbanks

  Type: Disturbance / Officer Involved Shooting

  Dispatch Text:

  UPDATE 1/4/2026: The Alaska State Troopers who discharged their firearms during the officer-involved shooting on January 1, 2026, are identified as:
  
  Trooper Recruit/Lateral John Faul, with five and a half months of service as an Alaska State Trooper and three years prior law enforcement service.
  Trooper Recruit Wyatt Miller, with five and a half months of service as an Alaska State Trooper.
  
  The Alaska Bureau of Investigation is continuing their thorough investigation into the incident. Once their investigation is complete it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.

  On January 1, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Alaska State Troopers were notified that 24-year-old Fairbanks resident William Rexford was actively destroying property at a family residence in Fairbanks. Troopers responded to the residence and made contact with Rexford and other family members. While Troopers and family members were speaking with Rexford, Troopers determined that he was experiencing mental health issues and was making suicidal statements.  As Troopers were discussing options with Rexford without warning he ran into the kitchen of the residence and armed himself with a knife. Rexford then charged at a Trooper while brandishing the knife. Multiple Troopers discharged their firearms, striking Rexford. A second adult male inside the residence was also struck by gunfire. Troopers immediately rendered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Rexford was pronounced deceased at the scene. The injured adult male was transported to a Fairbanks-area hospital with serious injuries. Rexford’s body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. His next of kin have been notified.

  The Troopers involved in the shooting have been placed on seven days of administrative leave, in accordance with Department of Public Safety policy. Their names will be released in 72 hours.

  The Alaska Bureau of Investigation has responded and initiated an investigation into the shooting. Upon completion, the investigation will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.

  Posted on 1/1/2026 4:16:17 PM by SOA\tjdespain . Edited on 1/4/2026 1:44:24 PM by SOA\tjdespain

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AK Bureau of Highway Patrol ...No news reported.

AK Bureau of Judicial Services ...No news reported.

AK Div of Fire and Life Safety ...No news reported.