Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Any charges reported in these press releases are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Detachment
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AK25088777
Location: SoldotnaType: MVC-FatalDispatch Text:
On September 1, 2025, at 10:24am, Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a single vehicle crash at milepost 102 of the Sterling Highway. It was reported that a Ford F-150 pickup went across oncoming traffic, crashed into the ditch and a stand of trees. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Robert Lee Hanson, age 58 of Soldotna. Lifesaving measures by civilians on scene, responding Troopers, and medics were unsuccessful. Investigation determined that Hanson likely had a medical event that caused him to lose control of the vehicle and crash. Hanson was wearing his seatbelt. Hanson's body will be transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office. AST investigation continues.
Posted on 9/2/2025 5:35:25 PM by DPS\tjdespain
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AK25088987
Location: Soldotna, AKType: DUI / Promoting Contraband 1stDispatch Text:
On 9/2/2025 at approximately 1711 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to report of a vehicle in the ditch on Community College Road. It was reported a black 2019 Ford Esape had driven across Kalifornsky Beach Road onto Community College Road, forcing cross traffic on Kalifornsky Beach Road to take evasive action. The vehicle continued into the ditch and across the parking lot at the Food Bank before crashing into a post. The driver was identified as Willie Frank Wassilie, age 50 of Kenai. Investigation revealed Wassilie was operating the vehicle while impaired by alcohol. He was arrested for DUI. While being booked at Wildwood Pretrial, he was found to have a controlled substance concealed on his person. He was additionally charged with Promoting Contraband 1st. He was held with no bail pending arraignment. Anyone who witnessed the event, or had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with Wassilie is asked to call the Alaska State Troopers (Sgt. Wertanen) at 907-262-4453.
Posted on 9/2/2025 9:00:18 PM by DPS\mjwertanen
B Detachment ...No news reported.
C Detachment ...No news reported.
D Detachment
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AK25088711
Location: FairbanksType: FTY, DUIDispatch Text:
On September 2, 2025, at approximately 0138 hours, State Troopers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Chena Hot Springs Rd. The vehicle failed to stop before eventually stopping in a driveway on a side street. The driver was identified as Calief Nelson. Investigation revealed that Calief was impaired by alcohol. Calief was remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center.
Posted on 9/2/2025 6:55:25 AM by DPS\jldreher
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AK25088991
Location: FairbanksType: Vehicle TheftDispatch Text:
On September 2, 2025, it was reported to AST that there was a vehicle theft in Fairbanks. The investigation is ongoing.
Posted on 9/2/2025 11:25:23 PM by DPS\cjmorlang
E Detachment ...No news reported.
Headquarters ...No news reported.
AK Wildlife Troopers
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AK25088499
Location: Skilak LakeType: SARDispatch Text:
On September 1, 2025, at 12:39pm, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were notified of an InReach SOS activation at Skilak Lake. AWT personnel and Helo-3 responded and located a 74-year-old male and 63-year-old female on the shore of Skilak Lake. Investigation revealed their two-person kayak flipped over due to wind and chop on the lake. Both individuals were extremely cold and wet. Helo-3 transported the individuals to the Skilak Lake campground. Both individuals declined medical assistance.
Posted on 9/2/2025 11:20:43 AM by DPS\tjdespain
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AK25088200
Location: JuneauType: SAR Body RecoveryDispatch Text:
On August 31, 2025, at 9:30am, Alaska State Troopers were notified of an overdue hiker in the Juneau area. Thomas Casey, age 69 of Arizona, was last seen on the morning of 8/30/2025 and was reported to be on a hike. No details about where he was going or when he would be back were provided. His phone was pinged and it returned to a remote spot between Thunder mountain trail and Nugget Creek trail. Juneau Mountain Rescue and SEADogs were contacted and 6 crews (3 dog teams 6 ground searchers) were put in the field to start searches at the trail heads and the location of the ping. At 5pm on 9/1/2025, Juneau Mountain Rescue and SEAdogs located Thomas deceased from injuries obtained from a fall. He was located near the Mendenhall Glacier on the west side off the trail. The updated location for the cell phone was provided by RCC and Apple emergency services. The body is being sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office. Next of kin has been notified.
Posted on 9/2/2025 12:55:57 PM by DPS\tjdespain
AK Bureau of Investigation
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AK25088740
Location: Sand PointType: Officer Involved Shooting InvestigationDispatch Text:
On Sept. 1, 2025, at around 1:50 pm, police officers from the Sand Point Police Department were standing watch over a docked and unoccupied fishing vessel that had been seized for a search warrant service related to an ongoing Alaska State Trooper-led drug trafficking investigation. As the officers watched the vessel, the boat’s captain boarded it and attempted to flee. Officers also boarded the vessel to stop the escape. As officers breached the bridge, the adult male captain produced a hatchet. As a result of the man’s actions, a Sand Point Police officer fired his weapon at the man, striking him. Emergency medical care was provided to the man, who was subsequently medevaced for treatment of his injuries. No law enforcement officers or other individuals were injured.
During a search of the vessel, State Trooper investigators seized approximately 600 grams of methamphetamine and 35 grams of heroin. The value of these narcotics in Sand Point is estimated to be $970,000.
At the request of the Sand Point Police Department, the Alaska Bureau of Investigation assumed case responsibility for the officer-involved shooting. Once their investigation is complete, it will be independently reviewed by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions.Posted on 9/2/2025 10:26:14 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel
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