Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Monday, January 5, 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

  • AK26001027

    Location: Palmer
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/05/2026 at approximately 1100 hours, Court Services Officers assigned to Palmer Judicial Services arrested Billy Jones, age 46, of Wasilla. Jones was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. Jones was served with the warrant while in-custody at Matsu Pretrial Facility in Palmer on unrelated charges. Bail was set at $500 cash performance.

    Posted on 1/5/2026 11:37:24 AM by DPS\mtshelley

  • AK26000895

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: VCOR

    Dispatch Text:

    On 1/4/2026 at approximately 1643 hours, AST received a report of a VCOR at a residence on Hallie Dr. in Wasilla. Investigation revealed Christopher Reich, age 36 of Wasilla, violated his conditions of release by returning to the restricted residence. Reich was arrested at the scene and charged with Violating Conditions of Release o/c Assault 4th DV. Reich was remanded into MSPT where he was held without bail.

    Posted on 1/5/2026 7:33:33 AM by DPS\fjparker

  • AK26001189

    Location: Slana
    Type: Endangered Minor

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/05/2026 at approximately 1250 hours, Troopers took a report of a juvenile who had possibly been assaulted by an adult. This case is still under investigation.

    Posted on 1/5/2026 5:21:36 PM by DPS\jbchroniger

C Detachment

  • AK26000716

    Location: Tuluksak
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On 1/3/2026, at 5:13pm, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a deceased person in Tuluksak, located outside near a residence.  Bethel AST responded via charter aircraft. Upon arrival, the deceased male was identified as 26-year-old Travis Andrew of Tuluksak. Andrew was transported to Bethel and will be sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.  This is an ongoing investigation.  Next of kin has been notified.   

    Posted on 1/5/2026 9:54:30 AM by DPS\tjdespain

D Detachment

  • AK26000973

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DV Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 5, 2025, at approximately 0137 hours, the Alaska State Trooper responded to the area of Hurst Rd for a disturbance. Investigation revealed that Charles Talbott committed the offense of Assault 4 DV and Crim Misc 5 DV. Charles was remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center.

    Posted on 1/5/2026 5:33:28 AM by DPS\jldreher

  • AK26001077

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Domestic Violence Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On 1/5/2026 at approximately 11:15 hours, AST responded to a report of a domestic violence assault. Following investigation, troopers were able to locate and arrest Susanne Pitka age 23 of North Pole, for Assault 4, Criminal Mischief 5, and Assault in the Presence of a Minor. Pitka was remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Facility without incident.

    Posted on 1/5/2026 4:58:45 PM by DPS\ajrenner

  • AK26001151

    Location: Ester
    Type: Deceased Person

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 5, 2026, AST received a report of a deceased person in Ester Alaska. AST spoke with the next of kin at the scene. The State Medical Examiner's Office was also contacted. The remains are being sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy. The investigation is ongoing. 

    Posted on 1/5/2026 6:19:22 PM by DPS\cjmorlang

  • AK26001048

    Location: North Pole
    Type: DV Assault 4/Criminal Mischief 5/Interfering with a Report of a Crime Involving Domestic Violence

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/05/2026, AST responded to a residence in North Pole for a report of an active disturbance. While on scene, Troopers investigated and determined that Vernon Semaken (33 yoa) of Fairbanks had assaulted another individual inside the home and damaged property not belonging to him. It was also determined that Vernon attempted to stop the caller from making a report of domestic violence. Vernon was arrested and remanded to FCC. Vernon is being charged with Assault 4, Criminal Mischief 5, and Interfering with a Report of a Crime Involving Domestic Violence.

    Posted on 1/5/2026 6:20:10 PM by DPS\rdmoss

E Detachment ...No news reported.

Headquarters ...No news reported.

AK Wildlife Troopers ...No news reported.

AK Bureau of Investigation ...No news reported.

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.