Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Tuesday, January 6, 2026

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

A Detachment

  • AK26001522

    Location: 16 Mi. East End Rd
    Type: MVC

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/06/2026, at approximately 1600 hours, Alaska State Troopers were dispatched to a head-on collision at approximately mile 16 of East End Rd in Fritz Creek. Investigation revealed that Vladimir Ivanov, age 21, from Washington, was driving recklessly and caused the head-on collision. Injuries were minor, and nobody was transported to the hospital. Vladimir was issued a misdemeanor summons for Reckless Driving and issued citations for not being able to provide proof of insurance and driving a vehicle with expired registration.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 11:01:28 PM by DPS\cljohnson1

  • AK26000647

    Location: Admiralty Island
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/03/2026, at 11:17am, Alaska State Troopers were notified of a death at the Point Retreat Lighthouse, approximately eight miles west of Juneau, on Admiralty Island. The decedent, 42-year-old Joseph Alaniz of Big Lake, Alaska, was the sole operator and groundskeeper with no one else present. Lighthouse staff discovered Joseph after arriving by helicopter to replace his shift. AST from Juneau responded and investigation determined the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for Autopsy. Next of kin has been notified.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 9:46:18 AM by DPS\tjdespain

B Detachment

  • AK26001273

    Location: Wasilla
    Type: MIW 4

    Dispatch Text:

    On 1/5/26 at approximately 2254 hours, AST and WPD received a report of a male stumbling in the road with a shotgun on Lucille near Nelson Ave. AST located the male at Lucille and Spruce armed with a shotgun and identified him as Kenneth Kuhar age 48 of Wasilla. Investigation revealed Kenneth was under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested for misconduct involving a weapon in the 4th degree. Kenneth was transported and remanded to MSPT where his bail was set at OR when sober.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 4:49:17 AM by DPS\jcsomerville

  • AK26001221

    Location: Palmer
    Type: Assault 4 (DV)

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/05/2025 Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence in Palmer following the report of a disturbance. Joseph Chagluak, age 22, of Palmer, was arrested for Assault 4 (DV) for recklessly causing physical injury to a household member. He was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial without bond  pending arraignment.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 5:30:48 AM by DPS\dgchaffin

  • AK26001428

    Location: Palmer
    Type: MVC-D

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/06/2026 at approximately 1314 hours, AST responded to a report of a 3-vehicle collision on Palmer Wasilla Hwy at Trunk Rd in Palmer. Investigation revealed Bobby King, 83 yoa from Wasilla, was driving his grey 2015 Ford F150 westbound on Palmer Wasilla Hwy and was unable to stop due to icy road conditions. Bobby's vehicle collided into the rear of a 2009 Mercedez Benz ML55, driven by a 17 yoa female of Palmer. The Mercedez Benz ML55 was pushed forward from the impact and collided into the rear of a 2025 white F150 driven by Bruce Hall, 47 yoa of Palmer. No injuries were reported. All individuals were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. All vehicles were driven from the scene.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 6:06:41 PM by DPS\ckgreen

  • AK26001484

    Location: Palmer
    Type: Hit and Run

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/06/2026 at approximately 1514, AST took a report of a hit and run on Palmer Wasilla Hwy near Hemmer Rd in Palmer. Investigation revealed 17 YOA female driver was operating her 2002 Subaru Legacy westbound on Palmer Wasilla Hwy. The driver had stopped and was waiting to turn left into a private drive with another vehicle stopped behind her. As she began her turn an additional vehicle passed both of the vehicles on the left, side swiping her vehicle causing minor damage to the left front fender. The vehicle was described as a black truck, unknown make and model driven by a white male. The suspect vehicle continued westbound on Palmer Wasilla Hwy. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information should contact the Alaska State Troopers.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 6:22:10 PM by DPS\ckgreen

C Detachment ...No news reported.

D Detachment

  • AK26001251

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DVPO Violation, VCOR, Resisting Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On January 5th, 2025, at approximately 1630 hours, Fairbanks AST received a report of a DVPO violation. Investigation revealed Jerome Grogan, age 64 of Fairbanks, had violated his DVPO as well as his conditions of release. Jerome was contacted at his residence and was arrested for DVPO violation, VCORx3, and resisting arrest. Jerome was remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center where he is held pending arraignments.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 12:20:03 AM by DPS\ctroyer

  • AK26001261

    Location: Nenana
    Type: Assault 3, Resist Arrest

    Dispatch Text:

    On 01/05/2025, Alaska State Troopers responded to a disturbance in Nenana.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Lawrence Ketzler, 64, for Assault 3-DV and Resisting Arrest.  He was remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 2:13:51 AM by DPS\japoole

  • AK26001276

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DUI

    Dispatch Text:

    On 1/5/2025, AST responded to the report of people trying to pull a vehicle out of the ditch on Birch Lane in Fairbanks. An investigation revealed Ethan Harding was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Further, Ethan was in possession of a firearm that he did not disclose to Troopers. Ethan was arrested and remanded on the charges of DUI, MIW 4, and MIW 5.

    Posted on 1/6/2026 3:06:43 AM by DPS\bkhaley

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.