Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Thursday, April 16, 2026
Any charges reported in these press releases are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Detachment
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AK26030590
Location: SoldotnaType: Fugitive From JusticeDispatch Text:
On April 4, 2026, Alaska State Troopers received a call from the San Diego Police Department reporting that Soldotna resident Donald McNeeley had a $5 million extraditable warrant in California connected to a string of burglaries. Troopers received a search warrant for McNeeley's residence on April 16, 2026, and arrested McNeeley at his residence for the extraditable warrant. A search of the residence revealed evidence connecting McNeeley to multiple thefts at the Soldotna Airport. The investigation is ongoing.
Posted on 4/16/2026 1:59:25 PM by DPS\jsdougherty
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AK26033736
Location: SterlingType: MVC-FatalDispatch Text:
On April 16, 2026, at 11:51am, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a two-vehicle collision with injuries near mile 74.5 of the Sterling Highway. Central Emergency Services and AST responded. During life-saving efforts, John Acker, age 43 of Wasilla, was declared deceased at the scene. Next of kin has been notified. The investigation is ongoing.
Posted on 4/16/2026 5:05:14 PM by DPS\tjdespain
B Detachment
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AK25120027
Location: GlennallenType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On 04/16/2026 at approximately 2147 hours, a Glennallen Trooper identified an occupant of a vehicle as Joel Connor out of Anchorage. Connor had a no bail warrant for Theft 3 and a $50 bail warrant for MICS 5. Connor was arrested for his warrants without incident.Posted on 4/16/2026 11:21:16 PM by DPS\hrchurness
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AK26033414
Location: WillowType: Animal CrueltyDispatch Text:
On April 15, 2026, the Alaska State Troopers were asked to assist Mat-Su Borough Animal Control with an investigation in the Caswell Lakes area. Upon arrival Troopers located 25 deceased dogs. A criminal animal cruelty investigation has been started by Troopers. Additional information will be released as the investigation continues.
Posted on 4/15/2026 5:38:56 PM by DPS\mdbarela . Edited on 4/16/2026 11:41:42 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel
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AK26033737
Location: WasillaType: Violating a Protective OrderDispatch Text:
On 04-16-26 at approximately 1014 hours, AST received a report that Kevin Ricker (62YO Male) was violating a protective order. Investigation revealed Kevin was at a residence he was restricted from being at, Kevin also had an outstanding arrest warrant. Kevin was taken into custody without incident and transported to MSPT on the above charge / warrant.
Posted on 4/16/2026 1:21:54 PM by DPS\cataratko
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AK26033150
Location: PalmerType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On 04/16/2026 at approximately 1410 hours, Court Services Officers assigned to Palmer Judicial Services arrested Christopher J. Toves, age 33, of Wasilla on an outstanding arrest warrant for Promoting Contraband in the First Degree and Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree. Toves was served with the warrant while in-custody at Matsu Pretrial Facility in Palmer on unrelated charges. Bail was set at $1,500 cash performance.Posted on 4/16/2026 2:33:24 PM by DPS\mtshelley
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AK26033156
Location: PalmerType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On 04/16/2026 at approximately 1410 hours, Court Services Officers assigned to Palmer Judicial Services arrested Gregory Alan Smith, age 40, of Wasilla on an outstanding arrest warrant for Disorderly Conduct. Smith 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 4/16/2026 2:37:24 PM by DPS\mtshelley
C Detachment ...No news reported.
D Detachment
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AK26033350
Location: EsterType: DUIDispatch Text:
Alaska State Troopers responded to the area of Shypoke Drive and Grebe Avenue for a welfare check. Troopers located a male driver in a vehicle at the location apparently asleep at the wheel.
Investigation revealed that Vyacheslav Kilimnik was under the influence. He was arrested and charged with DUI before being remanded at the Fairbanks Correctional Center.
Posted on 4/15/2026 3:08:35 PM by DPS\brduffy . Edited on 4/16/2026 1:00:02 PM by DPS\brduffy
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AK26033803
Location: FairbanksType: Probation ViolationDispatch Text:
On 4/16/26 at approximately 1230 hours, Erin Bartlett 41 years of age of Anchorage, was arrested after investigation determined that she was in violation of her court ordered probation conditions. Bartlett was remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Facility without incident.
Posted on 4/16/2026 4:25:30 PM by DPS\jldreher
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AK26033627
Location: FairbanksType: Assault, RobberyDispatch Text:
On April 16, 2026, Alaska State Troopers responded to a 911 hang-up call at a residence on Dolphin Way in Fairbanks. The investigation determined that Rickey Roberson, of Florida had threatened a female with a firearm and stole property before fleeing the scene. Due to the violent nature of the incident, the Fairbanks Criminal Suppression Unit assisted Patrol and located Roberson, who was arrested for felony assault and robbery.Posted on 4/16/2026 4:49:20 PM by DPS\ztchicoine
E Detachment ...No news reported.
Headquarters ...No news reported.
AK Wildlife Troopers
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AK26033716
Location: JuneauType: SAR-Aircraft CrashDispatch Text:
On April 16, 2026, at 10:42am, Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Juneau received information about an aircraft that had made a crash landing in the water near gull island. Information received and later verified is that the crash involved a single aircraft belonging to Ward Air with one person on board. Prior to trooper arrival, it was reported that a Ward Air aircraft on floats had been able to recover the pilot that was in the water and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries and hypothermia.
Posted on 4/16/2026 4:53:45 PM by DPS\tjdespain
AK Bureau of Investigation
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AK25035211
Location: WasillaType: Sex Trafficking InvestigationDispatch Text:
Following a year-long joint investigation, law enforcement officers from the Anchorage Police Department, Alaska State Troopers, the FBI Anchorage Field Office, and other partners executed search warrants this week at seven illicit massage parlors across Anchorage and the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The operation was carried out in close coordination with prosecutors and civil attorneys from the Alaska Department of Law as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
The investigation developed after investigative leads indicated that several illicit massage businesses were operating as fronts for organized criminal activity involving the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Over several months, investigators developed evidence that led to the execution of the search warrants and arrests of seven individuals.
The seven businesses searched in connection with this investigation are: Jasmine Spa; Zen Massage; Stream Health Spa of Wasilla; Phoenix Health Spa; Owl Health Spa; Renew Day Spa; and Red House Massage of Anchorage. Two Anchorage residences were also searched as part of the operation.
As part of the operation, 72-year-old Anchorage resident Lee Van Ness was arrested on multiple charges of Sex Trafficking in the Third Degree; 34-year-old Anchorage resident Tuan Huynh was arrested on multiple charges of Sex Trafficking in the Third Degree; 54-year-old Wasilla resident Guoguo Zhang was arrested on multiple charges of Sex Trafficking in the Second and Third Degree; 53-year-old Anchorage resident Terry Volkman was arrested on multiple charges of Sex Trafficking in the Third Degree; 40-year-old New York resident Xiong Xiaotian was arrested on charges of Sex Trafficking in the Second and Third Degree; 51-year-old New York resident Hong Zhen Li was arrested on charges of Sex Trafficking in the Second and Third Degree; and 44-year-old Hui Zhang on charges of Sex Trafficking in the Second and Third Degree. All charges are being prosecuted by the Alaska Department of Law’s Office of Special Prosecutions, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
During the operation, investigators worked to identify and contact potential victims. Individuals believed to be victims were offered support services, resources, and assistance through governmental and non-profit victim service organizations. Protecting victims and holding those responsible for exploitation accountable remains a top priority.
APD, AST, and FBI officials would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), the U.S. Coast Guard, Wasilla Police Department, and the Anchorage Airport Police Department for their assistance in the investigation and operation.
If you are a victim of, or suspect, human trafficking, you can make a report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or send a text to 233733.
Posted on 4/16/2026 11:43:51 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel
AK Bureau of Highway Patrol ...No news reported.
AK Bureau of Judicial Services
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AK26032997
Location: AnchorageType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On April 15, 2026, at approximately 1511 hours, AST arrested Sherikaa Mills, 45 of Anchorage on an outstanding $200 cash appearance bench warrant at the Nesbett Courthouse in Anchorage. Original charge of Criminal Trespass in the Second degree. Mills was remanded to the Anchorage Jail without incident.
Posted on 4/16/2026 8:04:42 AM by DPS\jsharkey
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