Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Thursday, May 25, 2023

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

A Detachment

  • AK23052063

    Location: Seward
    Type: Eluding II, DWLR, No insurance, VCOR

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/25/2023 at approximately 1638 hours, Alaska State Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a green Jeep near the intersection of Bear Drive and Jesse Lee Drive due to recognizing the driver to be Seward resident David Willson, age 46 who should not be driving due to being revoked. In the attempt of the traffic stop, Willson drove the jeep past multiple other intersections and eventually stopping. Investigation revealed Willson to be driving on a driver’s license in revoked status, with no insurance, and on conditions of release for an open case with the original charges of driving while license revoked and for no motor vehicle liability insurance. Willson was arrested and remanded to the Seward Community Jail for the charges of Fail to stop at the direction of a peace officer in the second degree, Driving While License Revoked, no motor vehicle liability insurance, and Violate Conditions of Release with no bail set.

    Posted on 5/25/2023 8:11:17 PM by DPS\qtnardini

B Detachment

  • AK23051730

    Location: Houston
    Type: Probation Violation

    Dispatch Text:

     On 5/24/2023, AST contacted Isaac Barnes, age 25 of Houston at a residence on Bally Shannon Drive while passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle. Investigation revealed that Isaac was on Probation. A probation search was conducted on Isaac and on the vehicle. Isaac was arrested for a probation violation and was transported to Mat-Su Pretrial where he was remanded and held with no bail.

    Posted on 5/25/2023 12:37:22 AM by DPS\hcmckenney

  • AK23017866

    Location: Big Lake
    Type: Arrest Warrant

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/25/2023 at approximately 0530 hours, AST contacted a suspicious vehicle in the area of Wasey Way and Big Lake Road in Big Lake. AST contacted Michael Flores, age 31 of Wasilla sleeping in the vehicle. Investigation revealed that Michael had an outstanding arrest warrant for the original crime of Attempted Arson II. Michael was arrested and transported to Mat-Su Pretrial where he was remanded and held on a $250 bail.

    Posted on 5/25/2023 6:15:15 AM by DPS\hcmckenney

  • AK23051802

    Location: Big Lake
    Type: Terroristic Threatening, Felony Assault, Intoxicated with Firearm

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/25/23 at approximately 0917 hours AST responded to a residence on Misty Lake Rd for a report of a homeowner threatening workers on a utility easement, who were clearing trees for fiber optic cables.  While on the phone with AST, a gunshot was heard near the workers.  The workers were able to flee the area to safety.  AST contacted the homeowner by phone, who was identified as Matthew Landingham, age 57, of Big Lake.  After speaking with Landingham for approximately 35 minutes, he and another male exited the residence unarmed, to be contacted by AST.  Landingham provided a breath alcohol sample (BrAC) of 0.253.  After a search warrant was granted, AST was able to locate a 50 BMG rifle with a spent shell casing in the residence.  Landingham was placed under arrest and remanded under the charges of assault in the 3rd degree (x4), terroristic threatening in the 2nd degree, and misconduct involving a weapon in the 5th degree (possesses firearm while under the influence of alcohol) with no set bail. 

    Posted on 5/25/2023 4:37:17 PM by DPS\tjwolff

C Detachment ...No news reported.

D Detachment

  • AK23051681

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Burglary

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 24, 2023 Fairbanks AST received a report of a Burglary at Mocha Moose Coffee Hut located in North Pole. Several items as well as some cash was taken from the coffee hut. The complainant would like to press charges if AST is able to identify a suspect. AST is actively looking for leads on possible suspect(s). If you have any information that would assist AST with their investigation please reach out to AST at (907)451-5100. 

    Posted on 5/25/2023 1:00:40 AM by DPS\jgstoller

  • AK23051673

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 24, 2023 AST received a report of an Assault in North Pole. The complainant reported a rider on a ATV drove at her aggressively and proceeded to drive circles around her. When the driver drove off the complainant was struck with gravel and other debris. AST is looking for information on who the operator of the ATV was. If you have any information on the identity of the driver please contact AST at (907)451-5100.  

    Posted on 5/25/2023 1:13:24 AM by DPS\jgstoller

  • AK23051687

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Theft

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 24, 2023 AST received a report of theft in Fairbanks. The complainant reported someone had struck the back of her vehicle and then proceeded to take both of her vehicle's license plates. Investigation is still ongoing to identify any possible suspects. If you have any information regarding suspects in this incident please reach out to AST at (907)451-5100.

    Posted on 5/25/2023 1:21:58 AM by DPS\jgstoller

  • AK23051685

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Vehicle Theft

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 24, 2023 at approximately 1940 hours, AST Fairbanks received a vehicle theft call. A white 1978 Ford Lincoln bearing license plate UAF600 was stolen from a property near Airport Way.  There are no suspects at this time.  Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact AST in Fairbanks at 907-451-5100.

    Posted on 5/25/2023 1:45:17 AM by DPS\eljordan

  • AK23051726

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: vehicle theft

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/24/2023 at 2335 hours Alaska State Troopers received a call about a stolen vehicle near Holmes and Doyle Rd in North Pole. The Vehicle that was stolen is a Green 1996 Honda Accord bearing license plate JUM542. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact AST Fairbanks at 907-451-5100.

    Posted on 5/25/2023 1:47:23 AM by DPS\dsdicken

  • AK23051477

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Catalytic Converter theft Investigation / Warrant Arrest/ K9 Apprehension

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 24 the Alaska State Troopers Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU) began an investigation into the thefts of a large amount of copper wire and catalytic converters from numerous businesses on Vanhorn Road.

    Through the investigation it was revealed Dana Smoke (age 30) of Fairbanks and two other individuals were responsible for the thefts.  Smoke also had a $100,000 warrant for her arrest for Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance III, Misconduct Involving a weapon II, Misconduct involving a weapon III, and VCOR.

    On May 25, 2023 CSU located Smoke at a residence in North Pole.  Helo -2 was on scene providing aerial surveillance.  Helo- 2 observed Smoke flee the residence with another male and run into the woods.  A K9 track was conducted with K9 Kenny.  K9 Kenny located and apprehended Smoke in the woods.  Smoke was cleared by EMS and remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center on her $100,000 warrant.  

    Additional charges relating to the thefts off Vanhorn road will be forwarded against smoke in the near future.

    Posted on 5/25/2023 5:14:26 PM by DPS\smcafee

  • AK23050933

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/25/2023 at approximately 1213 hours, Troopers in Fairbanks responded to the Amherst Apartments in Fairbanks in attempt to locate Shaelene Akaran. Upon arrival, Shaelene was contacted at the front door of her residence. Shaelene was arrest and remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center on her $250 unsecured misdemeanor warrant for Assault IV and Crminal Mischief V. (ref. 4FA-23-00464CR) 

    Posted on 5/25/2023 6:48:41 PM by DPS\cmseminario

E Detachment ...No news reported.

Headquarters ...No news reported.

AK Wildlife Troopers

  • AK23051782

    Location: Juneau
    Type: Criminal Trespass II

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/24/23 Thadius Nayamin, 36 YO of Juneau, was arrested by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Juneau Post, for Criminal Trespass II for returning to the property of 127 South Franklin Street in Juneau after previously being trespassed 10 days earlier. Nayamin was arrested and transported to LCCC. 

    Posted on 5/25/2023 10:36:55 AM by DPS\adseward

AK Bureau of Investigation

  • AK23048666

    Location: Point Hope
    Type: Officer Involved Shooting / Agency Assist

    Dispatch Text:

    UPDATE: The North Slope Borough Police Officer that fired his duty weapon is identified as Officer Christopher Dominey from the Point Hope station. 

    On May 17, 2023, at approximately 12:30 pm, the Alaska State Troopers were notified that a North Slope Borough Police Officer had shot an adult male in Point Hope and requested the Alaska Bureau of Investigation investigate the incident. Investigators and Crime Scene Technicians from ABI responded to Point Hope. Their preliminary investigation revealed that 40-year-old Point Hope resident Robert Nash had been shooting a rifle at Point Hope residents and buildings. A NSBPD police officer responded to Point Hope and located Nash just outside of town armed with a long gun. The officer gave commands to Nash to drop the firearm, however, he refused and pointed the weapon at the officer. Due to the actions of Nash, the NSBPD officer fired their duty weapon, striking Nash. Nash was provided immediate medical care at the Point Hope clinic. Despite these efforts, he died as a result of the injuries he sustained. There were no law enforcement officers or other community members injured.

    Nash’s body is being sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. His next of kin have been notified. ABI is continuing its thorough investigation into the incident. Once their investigation is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.

    Posted on 5/18/2023 10:52:37 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel . Edited on 5/25/2023 8:11:39 PM by DPS\tjdespain

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.