Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Thursday, January 8, 2026

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

A Detachment

  • AK26002035

    Location: Hydaburg
    Type: DV Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 1/8/2026 at approximately 0335 hours, AST received a report of a disturbance in Hydaburg. Shelby Carle age 35 of Hydaburg was reportedly causing a disturbance by assaulting a household member and throwing household items. Investigation revealed Shelby recklessly caused physical injury to the household member by punching them and pouring hot popcorn on them. Shelby also threw and broke a glass bowl in the process. Shelby was also violating conditions of release. Shelby was arrested for 8 counts of VCOR, 1 count of DV Assault 4 and DV criminal mischief 5 x2. Shelby was transported to Craig jail where she is held without bail. 

    Posted on 1/8/2026 1:33:51 PM by DPS\jaedenshaw

B Detachment

  • AK26002275

    Location: Houston
    Type: Domestic Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 8, 2026 at approximately 1701 hours, the Alaska State Troopers received a 911 call from a Houston residence reporting a disturbance. Investigation revealed that Shalynn Tomaganuk, 39 years old of Houston, had committed Fifth Degree Criminal Mischief (Domestic Violence). She was arrested and remanded to Mat Su Pre Trial without incident.

    Posted on 1/8/2026 11:26:35 PM by DPS\cbjoslin

  • AK26002019

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Assault 2 DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 1/8/26 at approximately 0045 hours, AST received a report of a disturbance at a residence in Wasilla. Investigation revealed that Cole Tobin, age 35 of Wasilla, had strangulated the household member and admitted to drinking and driving. Cole was arrested and transported to MSPT, where he was held with no bail for Assault 2 DV, Assault 3 DV, Assault 4 DV, Assault in the Presence of a Child DV x2, and DUI.

    Posted on 1/8/2026 7:20:15 AM by DPS\lefarrelly

C Detachment ...No news reported.

D Detachment

  • AK26002024

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DUI

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 8, 2026, at approximately 1:37 AM, Alaska State Troopers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle that had driven into a ditch near the intersection of Chena Hot Springs Road and Bennett Road. Upon arrival, the troopers discovered that the driver, Jack Matthew Nelson, was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested for DUI and taken to the Fairbanks Correctional Center.

    Posted on 1/8/2026 8:01:37 AM by DPS\kbweeks

  • AK26000551

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DV Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 2, 2026, at approximately 8:11 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a reported disturbance at a residence on Willow Run in Fairbanks. Investigation revealed that a physical altercation had occurred between two individuals inside the home, with a juvenile also becoming involved in the incident. No injuries were reported, and charges for assault in the fourth degree will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

    Posted on 1/8/2026 8:02:53 AM by DPS\jaevans1

  • AK26000111

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 1, 2026, at approximately 1150 hours, 88-year-old Frank Finkbonner passed away in his home in the company of family. Frank was released to Blanchard’s Funeral Home.

    Posted on 1/8/2026 10:16:36 AM by DPS\jrongstad

  • AK25023716

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Theft

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 7, 2026, Katrina Gallegos was indicted by a Fairbanks Grand Jury for seven counts of theft of a firearm. This indictment is the result of a months-long investigation by the Alaska State Troopers’ Criminal Suppression Unit in Fairbanks into multiple criminal acts around the Fairbanks area. The investigation led to the indictment of six individuals on 36 criminal charges. During the course of the investigation, troopers seized 18 firearms, including 12 that were confirmed stolen or illegal. Troopers also recovered thousands of dollars of other stolen property, including two vehicles.

    The indicted individuals are:

    • Jonathan Critchfield – Kidnapping, Assault II, Assault III x3, Theft II, Misconduct Involving a Weapon III x2
    • Eddie Hanson – Kidnapping, Assault II, Assault III x3
    • Nicole Karsten – Hindering Prosecution I x3, Tampering with Physical Evidence, VCOR x2, Theft II, MCIW III
    • Daniel Wright – Hindering Prosecution 1
    • Lohan Kuhl – Tampering with Physical Evidence, Theft III
    • Katrina Gallegos – Tampering with Physical Evidence x2, Theft II x9

    Gallegos is currently wanted on two $10,000 arrest warrants. Anyone with information as to her whereabouts is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 451-5100. You can also submit tips anonymously by using the AKTIPS app.

    Katrina Gallegos Photo

    Posted on 1/8/2026 2:22:57 PM by DPS\jsdougherty

  • AK26002192

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Crim Misc 5, VCOR

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 8, 2026, at approximately 1244 hours, the Alaska State Troopers responded to Clarkson Dr for a disturbance. Investigation revealed that Emily Vance, 39 years of age, of Fairbanks, committed the offense of Criminal Mischief 5 and VCOR. Emily was remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center.

    Posted on 1/8/2026 4:01:46 PM by DPS\jldreher

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.