Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Monday, June 24, 2024

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

A Detachment

  • AK24055622

    Location: Ketchikan
    Type: SAR/Missing Person

    Dispatch Text:

    Update: On June 24, 2024, at 7:50am, the body of Christiana Watt’s was recovered from Ward Lake. The body was spotted near the shore by a person walking the trail around the lake. Next of kin has been notified.

    Update: June 17, 2024. After multiple days of searching on land, water, and under water with search teams, K9s, sonar, and remotely operated vehicles, the Alaska State Troopers in coordination with Ketchikan Volunteer Search and Rescue, have suspended the active search for Christiana Watt. Search teams have searched all probable locations for Christiana at this time. If new information or evidence becomes known Troopers or other search teams will react to that information and may start active searching. We appreciate all of the assistance that local search teams and the Ketchikan community has provided. If you have information that has not been reported to law enforcement that may help Troopers locate Christiana, please call the Alaska State Troopers at 907-451-5100. You can also provide information anonymously through the AKTips smartphone app. 

    Update: June 13, 2024. Search efforts today have been concentrated on Ward Lake utilizing underwater ROV and sonar. Murky water conditions continue to present visibility challenges for the ROV with no new leads.

    Update: June 12, 2024. Search efforts are continuing with a focus on Ward Lake using an underwater ROV, boats, and dogs, with a diver on standby. Over the course of the search, agencies participating include Ketchikan Volunteer Search and Rescue (KVRS), Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search (SEADOGS), Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and U.S. Forest Service Police. Troopers continue to follow up on all leads.

    On June 10, 2024, at 7:49pm, Alaska State Troopers were notified of a possible missing person. It was reported that Christiana Watt, age 48, of Ketchikan was missing and may be in the Ward Lake area of Ketchikan. Christiana’s vehicle was located in the Ward Lake parking lot, with her cell phone, wallet and ID inside. Search efforts by Alaska State Troopers, members of the United States Forest Service, the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad, and SEADOGS are ongoing.  At this time the disappearance of Christiana is not considered suspicious. Anyone having contact or information regarding Christiana Watt is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Ketchikan at 907-225-5118 and reference incident AK24055622.

    Posted on 6/11/2024 2:35:30 PM by DPS\tjdespain . Edited on 6/24/2024 11:16:07 AM by DPS\tjdespain

  • AK24060850

    Location: Sterling
    Type: Felony Elude / Reckless Driving / Warrant Arrest X2

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/23/2024 at approximately 2307 hours, Soldotna AST attempted to stop black Yamaha motorcycle near mile 81.5 of the Sterling Highway while acting on a tip of a wanted person, Allyn Woodard who had two outstanding warrants for his arrest.  Woodard failed to yield and attempted to elude AST.  The motorcycle ran out of fuel near mile 21.5 KBeach Road and Woodard fled on foot into the woods.  After a short foot pursuit, Woodard was taken into custody without further incident.  Woodard was remanded to Wildwood Pretrial Facility where he was held without bail on new charges of Fail to Stop at the Direction of a Peace Officer in the First Degree and Reckless Driving, as well as the two original probation violation warrants.  Woodard was held without bail pending arraignment.  

    Posted on 6/24/2024 4:43:47 AM by DPS\rlhunter

  • AK24060805

    Location: Soldotna
    Type: MICS

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6-23-2024 at approximately 2124 hours, Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop near mile 103 of the Sterling Hwy. Investigation revealed the driver Ryan Bates 35 of Homer was in possession of Heroin, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Bates was arrested on charges of MICS 2, MICS 3, and MICS 5 and remanded to Wildwood pretrial with no bail pending arraignment.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 7:40:49 AM by DPS\tdgregory

  • AK24061005

    Location: Sterling
    Type: Warrant arrest x2/ Misconduct involving controlled substance 5th

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/24/24 around 0930 hours state troopers responded to a residence off N Scout Lake RD in Sterling where Seth Adam Perri Fulton, 35, of Sterling, was contacted and arrested on two outstanding warrants. Further investigation revealed he was in possession of a small amount of controlled substances. He was remanded at the Wildwood Pretrial Facility on his two warrants as wells as a new charge of misconduct involving a controlled substance 5th degree.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 6:23:37 PM by DPS\jaeshom

  • AK24032582

    Location: Soldotna
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/24/24 at approximately 1323 hours, AST located a female identified as Brookelyn Lingle, 25 of Soldotna, walking down a street in Soldotna.  Lingle was found to have two arrest warrants and after a brief foot chase, she was placed under arrest.  Lingle was transported and remanded to Wildwood Pre-Trial. 

    Posted on 6/24/2024 6:27:24 PM by DPS\jehunter

B Detachment

  • AK24061019

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Theft

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/24/2024 AST was dispatched to Three Bears located at 445 N Pittman Rd in Wasilla in response to a shoplifting. Store Loss Prevention employees had detained the suspect who was eventually identified as Michael Leffingwell. Leffingwell admitted to attempting to conceal two water bottles. He denied having any other store merchandise. When searched by Troopers, additional merchandise was located on his person and confirmed to be from the store. Leffingwell was also confirmed to have been trespassed from all Three Bears locations in February 2024. Leffingwell was issued criminal citations for Theft 4, Concealment of Merchandise under $250, and Criminal Trespass 2. Leffingwell was then released and told to leave the property. 

    Posted on 6/24/2024 5:43:34 PM by DPS\wmbooth

  • AK23089237

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/23/24, at approximately 1700 hours, Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a REDDI vehicle on the Parks Highway in Wasilla. An investigation revealed that a passenger, Tiffany Gooden, age 31 of Anchorage, had an outstanding warrant for her arrest on the original charge of DUI. Gooden was arrested and remanded to MSPT with time to serve.  

    Posted on 6/24/2024 7:11:07 AM by DPS\makessler

  • AK24060748

    Location: Palmer
    Type: MVC - I

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/23/24, at approximately 1550 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a motor vehicle collision near mile 4 of Palmer Fishhook in Palmer. An investigation revealed a 14-year-old male operating a Honda Dirt Bike on the shoulder of Palmer Fishhook attempted to conduct a U-turn on the pavement of Palmer Fishhook when a 2004 Toyota Camry operated by a 16-year-old female collided with the dirt bike. Both the Dirt Bike and Toyota were traveling in the same direction. The dirt bike rider was wearing his helmet, but he was transported to MSR for suspected injuries. No other injuries were reported.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 7:21:42 AM by DPS\makessler

  • AK24058983

    Location: Palmer
    Type: Unlawful Contact, VCOR, Violating a DVPO

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/18/24 AST 911 dispatch received a call stating that Derek Bradley, 37 of Wasilla, had contacted a victim that had a DVPO on him. Upon further investigation it was determined that Derek had in fact violated the DVPO. Derek was already in custody at Matsu Pretrial was remanded on new charges of violating a DVPO, VCOR, and unlawful contact in the first degree. 

    Posted on 6/24/2024 1:41:25 AM by DPS\jlfiaai

  • AK24060809

    Location: Palmer, AK
    Type: DV Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/23/2024 at approximately 2012 hours AST responded to a disturbance at a residence in Palmer. Upon investigation it was found that Kimberly Mills, 36 of Palmer, had assaulted a family member. Kimberly was arrested, transported and remanded to Mat-su pretrial.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 12:26:18 AM by DPS\tjwilson

  • AK24028492

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/24/2024 at approximately 0854 hours, AST was dispatched to the area of E Victor Cir to conduct a welfare check on a male who was called in as being intoxicated and lying in the driveway by a concerned citizen. Upon contact AST discovered Kyle Redmund asleep on the ground in the driveway of an apartment building. Kyle was found to have a warrant for his arrest for failure to remand and was placed under arrest for that warrant and remanded to Palmer pre-trial. The original charge for the warrant was a DUI and he was remanded with time to serve.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 10:49:27 AM by DPS\wmbooth

  • AK24047232

    Location: Palmer
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/24/24 at approximately 0150 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a call for a disturbance in the area of Josephine Circle in Palmer. Investigation revealed Justin Steele, age 44 of Palmer, had an outstanding $10,000 warrant for his arrest for an original charge of Assault 2, Assault 3, and Assault 4 and fled on foot prior to AST arrival. AST searched the area and deployed K-9 Lavi to locate and apprehend Steele. Steele was remanded to the custody of the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility after treatment for his injuries. 

    Posted on 6/24/2024 5:16:47 AM by DPS\rranderson

C Detachment

  • AK24058133

    Location: Hooper Bay
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/17/24 at approximately 03:20 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault - DV. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 34 YOA Joseph Simon of Hooper Bay for Assault 2 x 1 and Assault 3 X 2.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 2:57:05 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24058188

    Location: Dillingham
    Type: Violate Conditions

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/17/24 at approximately 10:16 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a person Violating their Conditions. Investigative results forwarded to the DA' s office for review and charging determination.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 2:58:07 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24058265

    Location: Akiachak
    Type: Sexual Assault

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/17/24 at approximately 12:21 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Sexual Assault . Investigation resulted in the arrest of 34 YOA Jacob Henry of Akiachak for Sexual Assault in the 2nd degree x 2 and Sexual Assault in the 3rd degree x 1.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 2:59:00 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24058275

    Location: YK Delta
    Type: Sexual Abuse of a Minor

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/17/24 at approximately 12:36 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 2:59:52 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24058372

    Location: Kongiganak
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/17/24 at approximately 14:02 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault - DV. Investigative results forwarded to the DA' s office for review and charging determination.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 3:00:53 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24059615

    Location: Russian Mission
    Type: Assault - DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/20/24 at approximately 13:00 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault - DV. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 18 YOA Angella Polty of Russian Mission for Assault 3.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 3:01:49 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK24059750

    Location: Russian Mission
    Type: Driving Under the Influence

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/20/24 at approximately 17:05 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a person driving their ATV under the influence. Investigation resulted in the arrest of 25 YOA Basil Changsak of Russian Mission for Driving Under the Influence.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 3:02:44 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

D Detachment

  • AK24059899

    Location: North Pole
    Type: Assault DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/20/2024, Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks received a report of a Domestic Assault in North Pole.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Michael Hall, 54, for three counts of Assault 4 and one county of Interfering with the report of a DV Crime.

    Posted on 6/21/2024 3:29:43 AM by DPS\japoole . Edited on 6/24/2024 6:48:17 AM by DPS\japoole

  • AK24060854

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DUI

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/23/2024 at approximately 2332 hours Troopers contacted Lucas Candelaria, age 24 of Fairbanks, after a traffic violation. An investigation revealed Lucas was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Further, Lucas refused to provide a legal sample of his breath. Lucas was remanded to FCC on the charges of DUI and Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 1:13:17 AM by DPS\bkhaley

  • AK24060851

    Location: North Pole
    Type: Theft

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/23/2024, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a theft in North Pole.  The investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 6:49:30 AM by DPS\japoole

  • AK24060355

    Location: North Pole
    Type: Runaway

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/21/2024, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a runaway.  The juvenile was located later in the day and turned over to parents.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 6:50:23 AM by DPS\japoole

  • AK24060639

    Location: North Pole
    Type: Assault DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/23/2024, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a domestic disturbance.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Mariah Ryder, 23, for assaulting her household member. She was remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 6:51:36 AM by DPS\japoole

  • AK24060877

    Location: Healy
    Type: Assault 3, Trespass 2

    Dispatch Text:

    On 6/23/24, Management from a Resort in Healy, AK contacted AST trespassing LEE GOFF (age 50 from Hawaii) who was not a guest of the resort who was panhandling and refusing to leave the resort property when asked by employees.  LEE GOLF left the property when Troopers advised he would be arrested if he did not leave.       

    On 6/24/24 at 0146 hours, AST received a 911 call from the resort security advising that LEE GOFF had come back to the resort trespassing again and was now threatening security with a knife. Security maintained a perimeter ensuring their safety and the safety of guests while awaiting AST arrival.

    Upon AST arrival, LEE GOFF immediately surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. LEE GOFF was arrested and remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center on charges of Assault 3 and Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree and held without bail.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 7:08:31 AM by DPS\jaminer

  • AK24060855

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DUI

    Dispatch Text:

    On June 23rd 2024, at about 2220, Troopers responded to a single vehicle rollover MVC at the top of Ester Dome Rd in Fairbanks. Upon arrival and further investigation, the driver, Ashley Cowles, was arrested for DUI and provided a sample of her breath to the Datamaster DMT with results being .132 BrAC. Ashley was remanded to FCC without incident.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 4:47:17 AM by DPS\jwconnolly

  • AK24061247

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Trespass

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/24/2024 at approximately 2206 hours, Troopers responded to 2180 Farmers Loop (Transfer Site) about a trespass call. Troopers' investigation determined that Raymond McPherson committed the crime of criminal trespass in the second degree. Raymond was arrested and transported to FCC.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 11:46:02 PM by DPS\oamodestoOrdonez

E Detachment ...No news reported.

Headquarters ...No news reported.

AK Wildlife Troopers

  • AK24060944

    Location: Kodiak
    Type: Sport Fish Without Sport Fishing License

    Dispatch Text:

    On 06/22/2024 Kodiak AWT contacted Nicole Del Carmen, age 20 of Kodiak, while she was sport fishing on the Buskin River.  Investigation revealed that Del Carmen did not have a current 2024 sport fishing license in her possession.  Del Carmen was issued a citation for Sport Fishing Without a Sport Fishing License with a fine of $220.

    Posted on 6/24/2024 10:34:05 AM by DPS\dtmcweeney

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 ...No news reported.