Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Monday, May 9, 2022

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

  • AK21096109

    Location: Big Lake
    Type: Arrest Warrant

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/9/2022, at approximately 0002 hours, AST received a report of hearing loud noises on Lazy Lake Drive and Hush Drive in Big Lake. AST contacted Franklin Drew, age 58 of Big Lake. Investigation revealed that Franklin had an outstanding arrest warrant for the original charge of MIW III. Franklin was arrested and transported to Mat-Su Pretrial where he was held on $1,000 bail.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 1:08:20 AM by DPS\hcmckenney

  • AK22045003

    Location: Willow
    Type: Fatal Vehicle Collision

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 9, 2022, at 5:47 am, the Alaska State Troopers were notified of a head-on collision near mile 68 of the Parks Highway near Willow. The Alaska State Troopers and local fire and EMS immediately responded to the scene. Troopers located an Acura SUV and a Chevrolet pickup truck at the scene. A preliminary investigation revealed that the pickup truck being operated by an adult male crossed into oncoming traffic where it collided head-on with the SUV being driven in the opposite direction. The driver of the SUV, 29-year-old Willow resident Audrey Ureda, was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was taken to a Mat-Su area hospital with serious injuries and a passenger in the pickup truck was medevaced via helicopter to an Anchorage area hospital. The Parks Highway was completely closed for approximately three hours as Troopers investigated the collision. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a contributing factor at this time. The investigation into the collision is ongoing, no arrests have been made and no citations have been issued at this time.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 2:10:02 PM by DPS\ajmcdaniel

  • AK22045111

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Pursuit, Vehicle Theft, Reckless Driving, DWLR

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/09/22 at approximately 1117 hours, AST initiated a traffic stop on a silver Toyota 4Runner for a moving violation on Seldon Rd. For approximately 4 minutes, the vehicle failed to yield at the direction of a peace officer. During this time the driver exceeded speeds of 105mph, passed on blind curves, and ran traffic control devices. After the successful use of a Pursuit Intervention Technique maneuver, the vehicle was immobilized. Investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen on 05/08/22, and the driver, Andrew Whitten, age 42 of Anchorage, was driving on a revoked license. Whitten was remanded to Matsu Pretrial on charges of Vehicle Theft I, Fail to Stop I x2, Reckless Driving, and DWLR.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 4:05:06 PM by DPS\cljennings

  • AK22044986

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Driving Under the Influence, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, Violate Conditions of Release

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/9/22, at approximately 0050 hours, Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Post, conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet Tahoe in the area of S. Birch Cove Drive for traffic violations.  Investigation revealed the driver, John Fuller, age 23 of Wasilla, was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.  Fuller was arrested for DUI and transported to Palmer Post for processing where he refused to submit to a chemical test as required.  Further investigation revealed Fuller was on conditions of release from a prior criminal case and had a condition that he violate no laws.  Fuller was transported to Mat-Su Pre-Trial where he was held without bail pending an arraignment.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 7:11:30 PM by DPS\jtabbott

C Detachment

  • AK22040009

    Location: Kodiak
    Type: SAR/Missing Child

    Dispatch Text:

    Final Update 5/18/22: The Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers have concluded their investigation into the death of Sawyer Cipolla. After a thorough review of all of the facts and evidence, Troopers have determined that Sawyer died from hypothermia due to exposure to the elements, and no signs or indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances were found. The preliminary information from the State Medical Examiner corroborates these findings. DPS would like to thank the thousands of volunteers, dozens of agencies, businesses, and organizations, and the entire Kodiak community for your assistance with this search and investigation over the last week and a half.   

    Update 5/15/22: On May 15, 2022, at approximately 12:30 pm, the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers were notified that two adults recreating in the Pillar Mountain area had located a deceased juvenile. Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers immediately responded to the area. Troopers identified the deceased juvenile as 7-year-old Kodiak resident Sawyer Cipolla who was reported missing on May 7, 2022. There were no obvious signs of foul play identified at the scene by Troopers. Sawyer’s remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. Next of kin has been notified. The investigation into the death of Sawyer Cipolla is ongoing.

     

    Update 5/14/22: An update on the search strategy can be found online at: https://dps.alaska.gov/AST/PIO/PressReleases/Troopers-Announce-Change-in-Sawyer-Cipolla-Search

    UPDATE: 5/12/2022, 14:00 hours. Crews, air assets, K9 teams, and volunteers continued to search throughout the day on 5/11 and are continuing with coordinated searches today. Kodiak Island Search & Rescue (KISAR) concentrated their search efforts in a prior search area to close any gap in coverage. No new leads have developed in the last 24 hours. Anyone with information please contact the Alaska State Troopers in Kodiak directly by calling 907-486-4121.     

    UPDATE: 5/11/2022, 1000 hours. Throughout the day on 5/10, search dogs were utilized and multiple air assets including USCG, AK Army National Guard, and Deckload Aviation helicopters continued to fly the expanded search area while 300+ ground searchers continued to conduct directed searches.  Ground search teams will continue searching today. Four new K9 teams arrived in Kodiak onboard a USCG C-130 from Anchorage and will be searching throughout the day.  At this time no new leads have developed. Anyone with information please contact the Alaska State Troopers in Kodiak directly by calling 907-486-4121.     

    UPDATE: 5/10/2022 the search for Sawyer Cipolla continues. Aerial assets (USCG helicopter and Deckload Aviation’s R-44) flew the coastline and search area throughout the day and into the evening of 5/9 with thermal goggles and FLIR.  Search dogs were deployed into multiple search areas and will continue searching throughout the day today.  Volunteer searchers will meet back at Bayside Fire Department (Incident Command and searcher staging area) at 1200 hours to begin the 4th day of ground searching. Anyone with information please contact the Alaska State Troopers in Kodiak directly by calling 907-486-4121.

    UPDATE: 5/9/2022, 1800 hours, more than 400 ground searchers, multiple K9 search teams, multiple aircraft, thermal drones, and boats continued the search for Sawyer Cipolla on Kodiak Island today with no results. Search efforts will continue into the evening and night hours. The large scale of the search, and tremendous efforts by volunteers and search agencies continues to be outstanding. Anyone with information please contact the Alaska State Troopers in Kodiak directly by calling 907-486-4121.

    UPDATE: 5/9/2022, the search for seven-year-old Sawyer Cipolla that went missing from his residence in Kodiak on 5/7/2022, continues.  There has been an outpouring of support from the community with as many as 950 volunteers searching over the weekend to include ground searchers, local pilots, and horseback teams. More than a dozen agencies are participating in the search including; Kodiak Police Department, City of Kodiak Fire Department, Bayside Volunteer Fire Department, Kodiak Island Search and Rescue, Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, US Coast Guard, US Navy Seals, Alaska Air National Guard Rescue Coordination Center, K9 search and rescue teams from Anchorage and Mat-Su including; MATSAR, AKSSD, and ASARD. As the search continues, volunteers are requested to check in at the Bayside Volunteer Fire Department. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sawyer Cipolla is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Kodiak at 907-486-4121.

    A missing person's bulletin including a current photo can be found online here.

    ORIGINAL Release: On 05/07/22 at approximately 1220 hours Alaska State Troopers in Kodiak were notified of a missing autistic 7 year old child last seen at his residence off Forest Drive in Kodiak. At the time of the report, the child had been missing for approximately 30 minutes. The missing child’s name is Sawyer but he responds to “come on in”. He was last seen wearing grey pants, camo top with hiking boots. Sawyer is 4.5ft tall, 55lbs, white male, brown hair, and brown eyes. AST arrived on scene and immediately started searching with no success.  As of 1845 hours, there are approximately 100 people actively involved in the search, including members of Kodiak Police Department, AWT, AST, City of Kodiak Fire Department, Bayside Volunteer Fire Department, Kodiak Island Search and Rescue, Coast Guard sector Anchorage/Air Station Kodiak and local residents.  If located please call 907-486-4121.

    Posted on 5/7/2022 7:06:17 PM by DPS\tjdespain . Edited on 5/9/2022 12:04:53 PM by DPS\tjdespain

  • AK22044465

    Location: Kotlik
    Type: 911 Hang-up

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 4:34 Alaska State Troopers received a 911 Hang-up.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:38:07 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22043974

    Location: Aniak
    Type: 911 Hang-up

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 3:05 Alaska State Troopers received a 911 Hang-up.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:38:32 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044346

    Location: YK Delta
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 20:16 Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault. Investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:43:32 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044459

    Location: YK Delta
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 4:54 Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault. Investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:45:05 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044203

    Location: Mountain Village
    Type: Assist Agency

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 14:10 Alaska State Troopers assisted VPOs.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:45:23 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044460

    Location: Emmonak
    Type: Assist Agency

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 5:02 Alaska State Troopers assisted VPOs.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:45:41 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044869

    Location: Mountain Village
    Type: Assist Agency

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 16:00 Alaska State Troopers assisted APD.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:45:57 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044704

    Location: Atmautluak
    Type: Assist Agency

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 0:27 Alaska State Troopers assisted an individual with obtaining medical treatment.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:46:13 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044112

    Location: Hooper Bay
    Type: Assist Public

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 11:15 Alaska State Troopers assisted an individual.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:46:34 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044432

    Location: Saint Mary's
    Type: Assist Public

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 2:10 Alaska State Troopers assisted an individual.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:46:52 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044783

    Location: Marshall
    Type: Assist Public

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 11:55 Alaska State Troopers assisted an individual.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:47:09 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044463

    Location: Grayling
    Type: Burglary

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 5:18 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Burglary.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:47:44 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044616

    Location: Grayling
    Type: Burglary

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 10:00 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Burglary.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:48:06 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044462

    Location: Saint Mary's
    Type: Civil Issue

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 5:16 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Civil Issue.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:48:23 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044733

    Location: Nunapitchuk
    Type: Deceased Person

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 5:56 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Deceased Person. Investigation revealed that Jeannie Toopelook of Nunapitchuk had passed away. Next of Kind have been notified.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:49:52 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044897

    Location: Emmonak
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 17:54 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:50:09 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22043971

    Location: Saint Mary's
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 0:33 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:50:26 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044406

    Location: Grayling
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 0:37 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:50:52 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044452

    Location: Saint Mary's
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 4:12 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:51:11 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044659

    Location: Aniak
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 21:34 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:51:25 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044670

    Location: Napaskiak
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 22:20 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:51:43 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044721

    Location: Lower Kalskag
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 1:49 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:52:00 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044727

    Location: Upper Kalskag
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 2:19 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:52:22 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044597

    Location: Emmonak
    Type: Forgery/Fraud

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 17:09 Alaska State Troopers received a report of Forgery/Fraud.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:52:44 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044876

    Location: Emmonak
    Type: Harassment

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 15:44 Alaska State Troopers received a report of Harassment.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:53:07 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044832

    Location: Mountain Village
    Type: Lost/Found property

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 14:38 Alaska State Troopers received a report of Lost/Found Property.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:53:23 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044635

    Location: Mountain Village
    Type: Robbery

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/7/22 at approximately 19:36 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Robbery.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:53:41 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044096

    Location: Bethel
    Type: Sex Offender Registration

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 10:44 Alaska State Troopers assisted an individual with their SOR Registration.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:53:58 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044950

    Location: Saint Mary's
    Type: Suspicious circumstances

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 21:44 Alaska State Troopers received a report of Suspicious Circumstances.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:54:18 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044049

    Location: Pilot Station
    Type: Suspicious Circumstances

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 9:24 Alaska State Troopers received a report of Suspicious Circumstances.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:54:37 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044554

    Location: Emmonak
    Type: Suspicious Circumstances

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 16:35 Alaska State Troopers received a report of Suspicious Circumstances.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:54:55 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044031

    Location: Bethel
    Type: Transport Prisoner

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 9:02 Alaska State Troopers Transported a prisoner to court.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:55:10 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044055

    Location: Pilot Station
    Type: Welfare Check

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22 at approximately 9:45 Alaska State Troopers received a request for a Welfare Check.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:55:27 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • AK22044736

    Location: Sleetmute
    Type: Welfare Check

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/8/22 at approximately 7:02 Alaska State Troopers received a request for a Welfare Check.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:55:43 AM by DPS\kwlewis

  • TBA

    Location: Various
    Type: Serve Court Documents

    Dispatch Text:

    On 5/6/22-5/8/22, Alaska State Troopers served or attempted service of various court documents to include

    AK22039829 Serve Court Documents Bethel
    AK22044048 Serve Court Documents Pilot Station
    AK22044121 Serve Court Documents Anchorage
    AK22044260 Serve Court Documents Atmautluak
    AK22044261 Serve Court Documents Bethel

    Posted on 5/9/2022 9:56:48 AM by DPS\kwlewis

D Detachment

  • AK22044928

    Location: North Pole
    Type: Domestic Violence Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 05/08/2022 at approximately 1858 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to North Pole for an active disturbance. Joshua Ford (32 years old, North Pole) was arrested for two counts of Assault 4th Degree for recklessly causing physical injury to his pregnant wife. Joshua is being held at the Fairbanks Correctional Center without bail. 

    Posted on 5/9/2022 12:11:00 AM by DPS\eloncay

E Detachment ...No news reported.

Headquarters ...No news reported.

AK Wildlife Troopers ...No news reported.

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

  • AK22044988

    Location: Willow
    Type: Structure Fire

    Dispatch Text:

    On May 8, 2022, at 11:20 pm, the Alaska State Troopers were notified of a structure fire in Willow at the Willow Town Site on the Parks Highway. Multiple fire departments from the Mat-Su Valley responded to the single-story commercial structure to fight the fire. The fire was isolated to a single room in the structure and caused significant damage to that portion of the building. There were no injuries or fatalities reported to Troopers. Two Deputy Fire Marshals have responded to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

    Posted on 5/9/2022 12:25:05 PM by DPS\ajmcdaniel




User Links

State of Alaska Department of Public Safety

5700 East Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5511