Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Thursday, February 27, 2025
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
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AK25018398
Location: WasillaType: VCOR-DVDispatch Text:
On 02/27/2025 at approximately 1022 hours, AST received a report of a disturbance near Schrock Rd in Wasilla. The following investigation revealed that Ryan Groff, 25 YOA, had violated his conditions of release. Ryan was arrested and remanded at MSPT where he was held without bail
Posted on 2/27/2025 1:23:25 PM by DPS\jlvandiest
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AK25018248
Location: HoustonType: DWLS Prev. ConvictionDispatch Text:
On 02/26/2025 AST conducted a traffic stop near Little John Dr. in Houston, AK. Investigation revealed the driver, Shawn Carlson of Houston, age 52, was driving while suspended. Further investigation showed that Carlson had at least 1 conviction for DWLS within the last 10 years. Carlson was issued a misdemeanor summons for DWLS.
Posted on 2/27/2025 4:54:43 AM by DPS\ajbigari
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AK25018337
Location: WasillaType: Criminal Mischief/AssaultDispatch Text:
On 2/27/2025 at approximately 0757 hours, AST received a report of a disturbance on Singer Ct. in Wasilla. Investigation revealed 25y/o Laidan Johnson assaulted a household member. Johnson was arrested at the scene without incident. Johnson was charged with Criminal Mischief 3rd and Assault 4th. She was remanded into MSPT where she was held without bail.
Posted on 2/27/2025 11:59:55 AM by DPS\fjparker
C Detachment ...No news reported.
D Detachment
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AK25018485
Location: CantwellType: Vehicle CollisionDispatch Text:
On 02/27/2025 at approximately 1124 hours AST from Nenana and Cantwell responded to a single vehicle collision near mile 176 Parks Hwy. Investigation showed a School bus traveling Northbound lost control and slid hitting both shoulders, which were compacted snow. The bus had 51 students passengers. 7 students were treated by EMS for minor injuries. The road conditions were icy, and one bus had previously navigated the 'S' curve without issue. The driver involved was cited for driving at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent considering the conditions. AST would like to thank Trapper Creek EMS, and Cantwell EMS for their assistance.
Posted on 2/27/2025 6:24:12 PM by DPS\nchollenbeck
E Detachment ...No news reported.
Headquarters ...No news reported.
AK Wildlife Troopers ...No news reported.
AK Bureau of Investigation
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AK25012846
Location: JuneauType: Possession of Child PornographyDispatch Text:
On 02/27/25, Alaska Bureau of Investigation Technical Crime Unit/Task Force Dawnbreaker investigators contacted Taylor Funderburk (age 25 of Juneau) during a child sexual abuse material investigation. Funderburk was arrested without incident on the charges of Possession of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography, and Violating Conditions of Release. Funderburk was remanded to Lemon Creek Correctional Center on no bail.
Posted on 2/27/2025 12:25:10 PM by DPS\nlbucknall
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AK25016187
Location: WasillaType: Domestic Violence Assault / Officer-Involved-ShootingDispatch Text:
UPDATE 2/27: On February 26, 2025, the Alaska State Troopers arrested 48-year-old Wasilla resident David Patrick on multiple criminal charges associated with this incident. Patrick was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial facility on charges of Assault in the Third Degree, Misconduct Involving a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, Reckless Endangerment, and Criminal Mischief in the Fifth Degree. The ABI investigation into the officer involved shooting is ongoing.
UPDATE 2/24: The Alaska State Trooper who discharged his firearm during the February 20, 2025, officer-involved shooting in Wasilla is identified as:
- Trooper Jon Anspaugh, a three-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the incident.
ORIGINAL: On February 20, 2025, at 11:35 pm, the Alaska State Troopers received a 911 call reporting a domestic violence incident at a residence in Wasilla. Two Alaska State Troopers responded to the residence. As they arrived, they observed an adult male armed with a shotgun inside the residence. The adult male then pointed the shotgun at a female inside the residence. Troopers gave commands for the man to drop the gun from outside of the residence. The adult male then pointed the shotgun at an Alaska State Trooper. An Alaska State Trooper shot the adult man through the window, striking him. Troopers then entered the residence and provided first aid care to the man as EMS and additional Troopers responded. The adult male was transported by EMS to a Mat-Su area hospital with injuries that are believed to be non-life-threatening. No other persons were injured during the incident.
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation responded and assumed case responsibility for the original domestic violence incident and the officer-involved shooting. No charges have been filed related to the domestic violence incident at this time; however, criminal charges against the adult male are expected. Once the ABI investigation into the officer-involved shooting is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions. Both investigations are active and ongoing.
The Trooper who discharged their firearm has been placed on 72 hours of administrative leave in accordance with DPS policy. The Trooper’s name will be released in 72 hours.
Posted on 2/21/2025 9:19:00 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel . Edited on 2/27/2025 9:58:53 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel
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AK25017386
Location: UtqiagvikType: Domestic Violence Assault/Officer Involved ShootingDispatch Text:
UPDATE 2/27: On behalf of the North Slope Borough Police Department, the Alaska Department of Public Safety is identifying Donovan Chappell as the officer who discharged his weapon.
ORIGINAL: On Feb. 24, 2025, the North Slope Borough Police Department requested assistance from the Alaska Bureau of Investigation for an officer involved shooting that occurred in Utqiagvik. A preliminary investigation revealed that NSBPD officers responded to a residence that morning on reports of a domestic violence assault and made contact with 41-year-old Akugaq Leavitt outside the home. Leavitt did not comply with police orders and fled in an attempt to return to the residence. One NSBPD officer discharged his weapon and shot Leavitt. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
One person inside the residence was transported to the hospital for injuries that are believed to have been sustained during the domestic violence assault. Leavitt had an outstanding warrant for his arrest related to a previous domestic violence incident. ABI investigators from the Mat-Su and Fairbanks responded to Utqiagvik on Feb. 24. The investigation is ongoing.
Leavitt’s next of kin has been notified and his body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. Once ABI’s investigation is complete, the shooting will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.
Posted on 2/26/2025 12:20:26 PM by DPS\tewilliams . Edited on 2/27/2025 11:43:25 AM by DPS\tewilliams
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