Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Wednesday, May 15, 2024

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

A Detachment

  • AK24045385

    Location: Nikiski
    Type: Driving Under the Influence/Refusal to provide a Breath Sample

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/15/24 at 1326 hours, Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a newer SUV for speeding on Island Lake near Ainsworth in Nikiski. Investigation revealed the driver, Benjamin Conner Knighten, age 35 of Anchorage, was impaired by alcoholic beverages. Knighten was arrested for DUI and transported to Wildwood pretrial where he refused to provide a breath sample. Knighten was remanded on charges of DUI (2nd) and Refusal with a $2,000 bail. 

    Posted on 5/15/2024 8:55:49 PM by DPS\rtennis

  • AK24045194

    Location: Ketchikan
    Type: Interfering with a Report of Domestic Violence, Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/14/2024 at about 2140 hours, the Alaska State Troopers received a report of a disturbance at a residence near mile 11 of the North Tongass Highway.  Investigation revealed that Vernon Kennedy, age 34 of Ketchikan broke a family members property and prevented them from reporting a Domestic Violence (DV) Crime.  The loss of damaged property is $200.00.  Kennedy was arrested and remanded to Ketchikan Correctional Center with No Bail.  

    Posted on 5/15/2024 2:02:16 AM by DPS\jpbeaudoin

B Detachment

  • AK24045140

    Location: Nelchina
    Type: Motor Vehicle Collision vs Moose

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/14/2024 at approximately 1905 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a semi-truck v. moose collision at mile marker 145 Glenn Hwy. The semi was damaged but drivable and the moose was donated to a charity. No injuries were reported.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 5:13:18 AM by DPS\rranderson

  • AK24045168

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Motor Vehicle Collision - Damage Only

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/14/2024 at approximately 2028 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to Seldon Road and Tamar Cir in Wasilla for a motor vehicle collision. No injuries were reported, and the roadway was intermittently closed for the tow trucks to clean the scene. 

    Posted on 5/15/2024 5:15:23 AM by DPS\rranderson

  • AK24035843

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/11/2024 at approximately 1700 hours, AST responded to a residence in Wasilla in reference to a noise complaint. Upon arrival, AST contacted Rylan Anderson, Age 34 of Wasilla. A routine NCIC check revealed Rylan had an active warrant for her arrest out of Anchorage for the original charge of Assault in the 4th Degree. Rylan was arrested and transported to Matsu Pre-Trial where she was remanded and held on $750.00 Bail for her warrant.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 8:27:39 AM by DPS\mlalkarmy

  • AK24045350

    Location: Glennallen
    Type: VCOR, Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/15/24 at approximately 1102 hours, Glennallen AST and VPSOs contacted 2 males in the roadway near mile 110 of the Richardson Hwy. Investigation revealed Harold Hobson age 47 of Glennallen was intoxicated and had an outstanding warrant out for his arrest. Hobson was also on conditions of release for felony DUI. Hobson was arrested and transported to Matsu pretrial in Palmer where his bail is set at $1500 cash.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 1:04:23 PM by DPS\jcsomerville

C Detachment

  • AK24043602

    Location: Bethel
    Type: Liquor Laws

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/10/24 at approximately 13:48 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Liquor Laws Violation. Investigative results were forwarded to the DA' s office for review and charging determination.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:58:47 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24043683

    Location: Dillingham
    Type: Escape or Evade

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/10/24 at approximately 16:10 hours, Alaska State Troopers were attempting to serve warrants on 36 YOA Carl Nunn when 29 YOA Rachelle Johnson was observed driving away from the search area with Nunn in her vehicle. Investigation resulted in Rachelle Johnson of Dillingham being arrested for Hindering Prosecution 1.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 4:00:35 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24043815

    Location: Grayling
    Type: Assault - Non DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/10/24 at approximately 21:22 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault- Non DV. The investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 4:01:25 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24043847

    Location: Emmonak
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/11/24 at approximately 01:22 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault- DV. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 30 YOA Kalene Jones of Mountain Village for Assault 4.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 4:02:16 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24044035

    Location: Emmonak
    Type: Violate Conditions

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/11/24 at approximately 17:40 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a person Violating their Conditions. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 32 YOA Clarence Hootch of Emmonak for Violating Conditions of his Release.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 4:03:01 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24043437

    Location: Holy Cross
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/10/24 at approximately 08:33 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault- DV. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 24 YOA Isaiah Nicholi of Grayling for Assault 3 x 2 and Assault 4 x 2.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:56:09 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24043505

    Location: YK Delta
    Type: Sexual Abuse of a Minor

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/10/24 at approximately 10:58 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:56:45 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24043548

    Location: Tuluksak
    Type: Burglary

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/10/24 at approximately 12:09 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Burglary at the Tuluksak Corporation Store. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 18 YOA Colton Napoka of Tuluksak for Burglary in the 2nd degree and Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:57:50 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24041889

    Location: Manokotak
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/06/24 at approximately 00:51 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault- DV. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 23 YOA Travis Bavilla of Aleknagik for Assault 4. He later received an additional charge of Promoting Contraband 1.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:09:26 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24041913

    Location: Chefornak
    Type: Deceased person

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/06/24 at approximately 08:28 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Deceased Person. 66 YOA Benjamin Matthew of Chefornak passed away at home from natural causes. Next of kin was notified.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:10:16 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24042001

    Location: Manokotak
    Type: Burglary

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/06/24 at approximately 11:40 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Burglary at a private residence. No suspects have been developed at this time. This case will be closed pending any investigative information.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:11:35 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24042155

    Location: Chefornak
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/06/24 at approximately 16:23 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault- DV. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 22 YOA Theodore Jimmy for two counts of Assault 3, one count of Assault 4, and one count of Reckless Endangerment.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:12:43 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24042416

    Location: Nightmute
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/07/24 at approximately 12:26 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault- DV. The investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:13:24 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24042815

    Location: Emmonak
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/08/24 at approximately 11:10 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault- DV. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 43 YOA Joel Isaac of Emmonak for Assault 4.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:14:13 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24042897

    Location: Mertarvik
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/08/24 at approximately 16:23 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault- DV. The investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:15:02 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

D Detachment

  • AK24045173

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Found Property

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 14th at approximately 2008 hours, the Alaska State Troopers were contacted regarding two individuals that appeared intoxicated wandering in the area of Ursa Major Dr. and Cygnus Ct. The caller provided AST with an iPhone that was dropped by one of the persons in a yard. It is believed that the parties left the Badger Den Bar & Grill  that evening.

    The phone was entered into lost and found. If you believe you are the owner, please contact the Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks with identifying information. Case responsibility is Trooper Norris. 

    Posted on 5/15/2024 12:16:10 AM by DPS\tjnorris

  • AK24045143

    Location: Delta Junction
    Type: Juvenile Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5-14-24, Delta Junction AST received a report of a possible assault of a juvenile by a family member. AST responded and a Stevie's Place interview was attempted. This investigation is closed pending further information. 

    Posted on 5/15/2024 4:16:18 PM by DPS\cihudson

  • AK24045155

    Location: Delta Junction
    Type: Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5-14-24, Delta Junction AST received a report of a possible assault which took place near Spengler Rd. It was reported an individual in a vehicle had swerved at another individual in their vehicle head on causing them fear. During the investigation, later evidence showed alternative circumstances had occurred. Charges have been forwarded to the DA's office for review. 

    Posted on 5/15/2024 4:18:42 PM by DPS\cihudson

  • AK24044887

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Theft

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/14/24 at approximately 1458 hours, the Fairbanks Alaska State Troopers received a report from management at the Oaken Keg liquor store on University Ave reporting that an unknown male entered the store, picked up a bottle of alcohol and left the store without paying.  The individual’s image was captured on surveillance camera and the investigation will continue.  Anyone with information about this crime can call the Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks at (907) 451-5100. If you would like to remain anonymous you can submit tips through the AKTips smartphone app or securely online at https://dps.alaska.gov/tips. You can also text the keywork AKTips to 847411 followed by your anonymous tip.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 8:42:08 AM by DPS\hlculley

E Detachment ...No news reported.

Headquarters ...No news reported.

AK Wildlife Troopers

  • AK24044966

    Location: Haines
    Type: Search and Rescue

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 14, 2024, the Alaska Wildlife Troopers were requested to assist with a welfare check for an adult female in Haines. Troopers determined that the female had departed from Letnikoff Cove in a boat. DPS HELO 5 responded and began searching for the female, and an AWT vessel from Haines began searching from the water. HELO 5 and the AWT patrol boat located her vessel at Twin Cove; however, she was not in the immediate area. The Haines SAR Team was requested to respond and assist in the search. DPS HELO 5 continued to search from the air. HELO 5 located the female 1.2 miles away from her vessel with minor injuries. She was transported back to Haines for medical treatment.

    The Alaska Wildlife Troopers encourage all Alaskans who are going out on the water or into the backcountry to leave a float plan or wilderness trip plan with a trusted friend or family member that includes information about where they are going and when they will return. 

    Posted on 5/15/2024 1:44:34 PM by DPS\ajmcdaniel

AK Bureau of Investigation

  • AK24045346

    Location: Palmer
    Type: Unlawful Contact / VCOR

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 15, 2024, Alaska State Troopers arrested Michael Roche, age 44 of Wasilla, at a residence in Palmer for four counts of unlawful contact and two counts of Violating Conditions of Release while he was on ankle monitoring probation. Roche was remanded to Mat Su Pretrial Facility.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:57:52 PM by DPS\tjdespain

  • AK24045279

    Location: St. Michael
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 15, 2024, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a death in the community of St. Michael. Investigation revealed that 52-year-old Frank Andrews was located unresponsive by a housemate. Foul play is not suspected. Next of kin was notified and the State Medical Examiner’s Office released Frank’s body to his family.

    Posted on 5/15/2024 3:15:14 PM by DPS\tjdespain

AK Bureau of Highway Patrol

  • AK24045490

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Improper Use of Plates

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/15/2024 at approximately 1626 hours, the Highway Interdiction K9 Team conducted a traffic stop on a tan Ford pickup near Seldon Road in Wasilla. The driver was identified as Amy Jacobsen, age 45 of Wasilla. Investigation revealed the plate displayed on the vehicle belonged to a different vehicle and Jacobsen admitted to displaying it. Jacobsen was issued a criminal summons to appear in court and was released on scene. 

    Posted on 5/15/2024 5:25:14 PM by DPS\glstephens

AK Bureau of Judicial Services ...No news reported.

AK Div of Fire and Life Safety ...No news reported.