Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Sunday, August 2, 2026

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

A Detachment

  • AK26073696

    Location: Prince of Wales
    Type: Bar compliance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 07-30-2026, the Alaska State Troopers, in collaboration with the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office, conducted a series of undercover compliance checks using individuals under 21 years of age at bars and dispensaries in the Craig and Klawock areas. During these operations, all establishments visited were found to be non-compliant, with alcohol and marijuana products provided to individuals under the legal age. As a result, a total of seven infractions were issued by the agencies, and warnings were provided where appropriate. These efforts reflect the agencies' commitment to enforcing state laws and protecting youth in the community.

    Posted on 8/2/2026 2:52:41 PM by DPS\oamodestoOrdonez

  • AK26074119

    Location: Kasilof
    Type: MVC - Fatal

    Dispatch Text:

    On July 30, 2026, at 5:43 pm, the Alaska State Troopers responded to an automatic crash notification from a cell phone at milepost 111 Sterling Highway.  Troopers discovered a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of the Sterling Highway and North Cohoe Loop Road.  The vehicles involved were a brown 2011 Subaru Outback, driven by 87-year-old Kasilof resident Bruce Lape, and a green 1995 Mitsubishi minivan.  
     
    Investigation revealed Lape was driving eastbound on North Cohoe Loop Road and failed to yield while turning left onto the Sterling Highway. Lape turned in front of the minivan, which was traveling southbound on the Sterling Highway. Lape suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local area hospital and then by air to an Anchorage area hospital. A passenger in Lape's vehicle was transported to a local area hospital for serious injuries. The driver of the min-van reported no injuries.  All parties were reported to have been wearing seatbelts. The investigation continues. 
     
    On August 2, 2026, Lape, succumbed to his injuries and died at an Anchorage area hospital.  Next of kin were present. 

    Posted on 8/2/2026 3:41:14 PM by DPS\jfreeman1

  • AK26075039

    Location: Hope
    Type: DUI

    Dispatch Text:

    On 8/2/2026 at approximately 0100 hours, Seward AST received a report of a motor vehicle crash into a ditch near mile 7 of the Hope Highway.  Witnesses stated the driver appeared intoxicated.  On scene investigation revealed the driver, Richard Cowles (64yoa) of Hope, AK, was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol.  He was arrested for DUI and remanded at Spring Creek Correctional Center and held on a $500 bond.  

    Posted on 8/2/2026 5:56:42 AM by DPS\cnfouts

  • AK26071272

    Location: Sterling
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 7/29/26 at 1628 hours, Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a Silver SUV after it turned onto Zenith St. in Sterling. Investigation revealed the driver, Jeromy Francis Keen, 50 of Soldotna, had several outstanding arrest warrants with original charges including Assault 3rd degree DV, Assault 4th DV X3, Criminal Mischief 3rd DV, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, and a Parole warrant. Keen was arrested and remanded at Wildwood pretrial without bail. 

    Posted on 8/2/2026 8:25:00 AM by DPS\rtennis

B Detachment

  • AK26075135

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On 8/2/2026 at approximately 1409 hours, AST received a report of a Death at a residence near Hawk Ln. Investigation revealed John Fruzen, age 70 of Wasilla was found deceased in his home.  No fowl play is suspected, State Medical Examiner released the body to Legacy Funeral Home, next of ken has been notified.

    Posted on 8/2/2026 5:41:07 PM by DPS\jdyelton

  • AK26074518

    Location: Glennallen
    Type: DWLS, VCOR

    Dispatch Text:

    On 07/31/2026 at approximately 1705 hours Glennallen AST conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near mile 189 of the Glenn Highway.  Investigation revealed that the driver, Alece Miller, age 30 of Copper Center, was driving with a suspended driver's license while on conditions of release for three open criminal court cases stemming from original charges of three counts of Driving While License Revoked and other charges.  Miller was issued misdemeanor citations and charged with Driving While License Suspended and three counts of Violating Conditions of Release and released on scene with a mandatory court appearance at a later date.

    Posted on 8/2/2026 7:54:44 PM by DPS\dtmcweeney

  • AK25058549

    Location: Glennallen
    Type: Warrant Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 08/02/2026 at approximately 2130 hours a Trooper identified Tkeyah Joseph at the HUB gas station. Joseph had an unsecured, $50 bail Theft 4 arrest warrant. She was arrested and processed without incident.

    Posted on 8/2/2026 10:35:14 PM by DPS\hrchurness

  • AK26074660

    Location: Eureka
    Type: MVC- Moose

    Dispatch Text:

    On 07/31/2026 at approximately 2355 hours Troopers were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision near mile 124 of the Glenn Highway. Investigation revealed it was a single vehicle accident versus moose. No injuries reported.

    Posted on 8/2/2026 12:13:55 PM by DPS\hrchurness

  • AK26074626

    Location: Copper Center
    Type: MVC - Moose

    Dispatch Text:

    On 08/01/2026 at approximately 0004 hours Troopers were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision near mile 95 of the Richardson Highway. Investigation revealed it was a single vehicle accident versus moose. The driver sustained minor injuries. Occupants were assisted by Troopers, and a charity was contacted for the moose.

    Posted on 8/2/2026 12:16:26 PM by DPS\hrchurness

C Detachment ...No news reported.

D Detachment

  • AK26074973

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DUI

    Dispatch Text:

    On August 1, 2026, at approximately 2104 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a vehicle crash near the East Airport Way exit on the Mitchell Expressway in Fairbanks. Troopers contacted the driver, Jacob Cox (26) of Wasilla, who showed signs of impairment and had been involved in the collision after attempting to take the exit at an unsafe speed. Cox underwent Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. He provided a breath sample indicating a blood alcohol concentration of 0.215 grams per 210 liters of breath. He was transported to Fairbanks Correctional Center and remanded for DUI. 

    Posted on 8/2/2026 1:00:23 AM by DPS\nggandy

  • AK26074967

    Location: Healy
    Type: Criminal Mischief and Criminally Negligent Burning (DV)

    Dispatch Text:

    On 08/01/2026 at 2041 hours the Alaska State Troopers received a report of an individual burning the clothing of another household member in the area of Stampede Road in Healy.  Investigation determined Crystal Stancliffe, age 37 from Healy burned approximately $250 worth of clothing of household member.  Stancliffe was arrested and remanded to FCC where she was held without bail pending arraignment for Criminal Mischief 5th (DV) and Criminally Negligent Buring 2nd (DV).  

    Posted on 8/2/2026 1:20:58 AM by DPS\dwbozman

  • AK26074852

    Location: Rampart
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On 08/02/2026 at approximately 1600 hours, Troopers received a report of an unexpected death in the village of Rampart. Sarah Evans, age 67, was found in her bed deceased. Investigation determined a non-suspicious death. Sarah was transported to Fairbanks for funeral care. Next of kin has been notified.

    Posted on 8/2/2026 10:23:55 AM by DPS\bamitten

  • AK26075119

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On Sunday, August 02, 2026, at approximately 11:46AM AST responded to a residence in Fairbanks in reference to a medical assist. On scene, it was determined the male resident of the house had committed suicide. Nothing suspicious or criminal suspected at this time. The female resident of the house was referred to the Mobile Crisis Team for resources. 

    Posted on 8/2/2026 1:19:01 PM by DPS\jtfaul

  • AK26075052

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DUI

    Dispatch Text:

    Alaska State Troopers arrested Esme Peschke for DUI after locating her vehicle in a ditch on Bluegrass Drive and determining she showed signs of impairment during the investigation. She was transported medical clearance before being remanded to FCC.
     
     
     

    Posted on 8/2/2026 5:39:17 PM by DPS\kckelly

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 ...No news reported.