Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Saturday, November 18, 2023

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

A Detachment

  • AK23120462

    Location: Ninilchik
    Type: Warrant Arrest, DWLR, and other charges

    Dispatch Text:

    On 11/17/2023 at 2051 hours Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop near Mile 142 Sterling Highway.  Investigation identified one of the passengers as Amanda Oviatt, age 36 from Ninilchik who had an outstanding $100 misdemeanor arrest warrant for Failure to Appear on the initial charge of MICS 5th.  The driver, James Taylor, age 58 from Ninilchik was issued misdemeanor summons for DWLR, No Insurance, and New Owner Fail to Transfer Title.  The vehicle was released to a licensed driver.

    Posted on 11/18/2023 8:23:37 PM by DPS\dwbozman

  • AK23120481

    Location: Seward
    Type: DUI

    Dispatch Text:

    On 11/17/2023 at about 2306 hours, Seward AST received a report of a vehicle swerving all over the road before driving into a ditch on the Seward Highway. The driver was identified Samuel Hanson, 41 YOA of Ninilchik. The investigation revealed that Hanson was driving under the influence (DUI). Hanson was placed under arrest and remanded to Spring Creek Correctional Center on a $1,000 bail.

    Posted on 11/18/2023 5:50:47 PM by DPS\jlyavorsky

B Detachment

  • AK23120471

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Assault 4th Degree x 2, Criminal Mischief 5th Degree, DUI, MIW 4 x 2, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor 1st Degree x 2

    Dispatch Text:

    On 11/17/23, at approximately 2205 hours, Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Post, responded to a report of a disturbance on Brenda Avenue in Wasilla.  Investigation revealed Bubba Thoms, age 32 committed the crimes of Assault in the 4th Degree x 2, Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree, DUI, Misconducting Involving Weapons in the 4th Degree x 2, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the 1st Degree x 2. Thoms was arrested and transported to MSPT where he was held without bail.

    Posted on 11/18/2023 12:31:36 AM by DPS\jtabbott

  • AK23120496

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: DUI, Refusal

    Dispatch Text:

    On 11/18/2023 AST conducted a traffic stop near Parks Highway and Seward Meridian Parkway. Following an investigation Nicholas Shears, age 37 of Wasilla, was arrested and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial for DUI and Refusal to submit to a chemical test.

    Posted on 11/18/2023 4:50:32 AM by DPS\jrvenable

C Detachment ...No news reported.

D Detachment

  • AK23120434

    Location: Venetie
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On November 17, 2023, 92-year-old Mary Frank passed away in Venetie. Mary was surrounded by family and loved ones as she passed.

    Posted on 11/18/2023 2:49:54 PM by DPS\jrongstad

  • AK23120543

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: VCOR Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On November 18, 2023 at approximately 1011 hours, the employees at Best Western on TVSA way reported that they wanted to trespass Francis Hugo from the property. Fairbanks AST responded and made contact with Francis. Francis was arrested for violating conditions of release and remanded to FCC.

    Posted on 11/18/2023 3:02:18 PM by DPS\jdchipps

  • AK23120562

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Death

    Dispatch Text:

     On November 18, 2023, at approximately 11:12 am Alaska State Troopers received a report of a death in the West Fairbanks Area. Next of Kin is yet to be notified. The investigation is still ongoing.

    Posted on 11/18/2023 3:05:13 PM by DPS\cjheavrin

  • AK23120572

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Fairbanks

    Dispatch Text:

    On November 18, 2023 at approximately 1315 hours Fairbanks AST responded to the area of Army Rd for a request of a welfare check. Upon arrival, troopers found Cheryl Pate, age 58, deceased in her home. No foul play is suspected. Next of kin has been notified.

    Posted on 11/18/2023 3:41:05 PM by DPS\jdchipps

  • AK23120503

    Location: Cantwell
    Type: MVC

    Dispatch Text:

    Update: November 24, 2023, following a thorough investigation into this incident, the operator of the snow machine involved, 28-year-old Austin Gibbs of Healy, has been issued a citation for Negligent Driving.

    On 11-18-23 Alaska state troopers received a report of a MVC between a snow machine and a sled dog team occurred on 11-17-23 at approximately 2030 hours.  The incident is under investigation at this time.  

    Posted on 11/18/2023 5:52:33 PM by DPS\gdyoung

  • AK23120678

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On 11/18/2023 at approximately 1802 hours, the Alaska State Troopers received a third-party report of a possible domestic violence assault in Fairbanks. Archie Kahoa, 54 of Las Vegas, was remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center for one count of assault in the fourth degree after investigation revealed he had assaulted his brother following an argument. 

    Posted on 11/18/2023 10:45:15 PM by DPS\cataylor

E Detachment ...No news reported.

Headquarters ...No news reported.

AK Wildlife Troopers

  • AK23120349

    Location: Sitka
    Type: Fail to Record on Fish Ticket

    Dispatch Text:

    On 11/18/23, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, contacted Casey Digennaro, age 39, of Sitka, regarding rockfish left aboard his vessel following a commercial salmon offload.  Digennaro was cited for failing to report all fish taken on a fish ticket as required.  An arraignment is set in the District Court at Sitka, 12/5/23.  

    Posted on 11/18/2023 1:45:22 PM by DPS\tbhall

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.