Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Friday, January 9, 2026
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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AK26002215
Location: KlawockType: Misconduct Involving Controlled Substance 6, VCORDispatch Text:
On January 08, 2026, Alaska State Troopers stopped with a vehcile in the roadway that was stopped with its four-way flashers activated in Klawock. Upon contact with the driver, Janessa Stahl-Rowan (20yo Female) of Klawock, Troopers observed the odor and plain view signs of marijuana (paraphernalia). Following investigation, Troopers discovered three bags of marijuana and three marijuana pipes with a smell consistent of burned marijuana. Janessa admitted to smoking the night prior, and morning of, the stop. Janessa was found to be on conditions of release and was arrested for MICS6 (under 21 possession), VCOR, and cited for Insurance. Janessa was remanded to Craig Jail without further incident.
Posted on 1/9/2026 10:37:23 AM by DPS\kjlousch
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AK25058100
Location: KetchikanType: Warrant ArrestDispatch Text:
On 01/08/2026 at about 1931 hours, the Alaska State Troopers contacted and arrested Joseph Harper, age 42 of Ketchikan at a residence on Higgins Spur Road. Harper was found to have a no bail arrest warrant which stemmed from the charges of DWLS and failure to remand to serve 10 days. Harper was transported and remanded to Ketchikan Correctional Center.
Posted on 1/9/2026 12:00:01 AM by DPS\jpbeaudoin
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AK26001689
Location: HydaburgType: Death InvestigationDispatch Text:
On Jan. 7, 2026, Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of an unresponsive woman at a Hydaburg cabin around 3:50 a.m. Troopers located 29-year-old Tanessa Ashenfelter deceased at the scene. The preliminary investigation did not indicate foul play. Her body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and her next of kin were notified.
Posted on 1/9/2026 2:51:09 PM by DPS\tewilliams
B Detachment
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AK26001981
Location: Big LakeType: MICS, DWLS, No InsuranceDispatch Text:
On 01/07/2026 at 2033 hours, members of the Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU) conducted a traffic stop on Big Lake Road. The driver was identified as Matthew Heritage, 37 YOA of Big Lake. The investigation revealed that Heritage was driving with a suspended license (DWLS), and his vehicle was not properly insured, registered, or titled. Further investigation revealed that Heritage was in possession of methamphetamine. Heritage's vehicle was impounded, and he was released from the scene. On 01/08/2026, Heritage was issued misdemeanor summons' for DWLS, Driving Without Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance, and Misconduct Involving Controlled Substances (MICS) in the Fifth Degree.
Posted on 1/9/2026 1:16:15 PM by DPS\jlyavorsky
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AK26002406
Location: WasillaType: DUIDispatch Text:
On 01/09/2026 at approximately 0652 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch at the intersection of East Strathclyde Lane and North Lucille Street. The investigation revealed that the driver, Gregory Vanderpool, age 53, of Wasilla, had operated the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and was placed under arrest. He was transported to Mat-Su Pretrial, where he was remanded on the charge of DUI and held on $500 cash bail.
Posted on 1/9/2026 2:51:00 PM by DPS\tjdespain
C Detachment
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AK26000077
Location: StebbinsType: AssaultDispatch Text:
On 01/01/2026 at approximately 09:20 hours Unalakleet based Alaska State Troopers received a report of an assault in Stebbins. Investigation revealed Kaitlyn Lockwood to be on conditions of release and to not be in contact with the victim. Lockwood was arrested and charged with one count of DVA4 and one count of Unlawful Contact.
Posted on 1/9/2026 9:12:32 AM by DPS\qsmykham
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AK26000287
Location: ManokotakType: AssaultDispatch Text:
On 01/02/2026 Dillingham based Alaska State Troopers received a report of an assault in Manokotak. Randy Glocko was arrested for Assault in the 4th degree.
Posted on 1/9/2026 9:13:56 AM by DPS\qsmykham
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AK26000426
Location: NomeType: BurglaryDispatch Text:
On 01/02/2026 Nome based State Troopers received a report of stolen items from a property in Nome. Nome troopers responded the next day and located the missing items. Investigation is ongoing.
Posted on 1/9/2026 9:14:55 AM by DPS\qsmykham
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AK26000681
Location: KodiakType: Sex Offender RegistrationDispatch Text:
On 01/03/2026 Kodiak based State Troopers received a report that Kevin Hochmuth was not in compliance of his sex offender registration. Hochmuth was contacted on 01/04/2026 and arrested for failure to register as a sex offender in the second degree, violation of probation and parole and remanded to Kodiak Jail.
Posted on 1/9/2026 9:16:27 AM by DPS\qsmykham
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AK26000098
Location: St MaryType: Theft- VehiculeDispatch Text:
On 01/01/2026, St. Mary's based State Troopers received a report of a stolen ATV. During the investigation the atv was recovered and one witness saw a suspect operating the vehicle. Charges of vehicle Theft in the 2nd is being referred to the DAO.
Posted on 1/9/2026 9:17:55 AM by DPS\qsmykham
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AK26000102
Location: St MaryType: AssaultDispatch Text:
On 01/01/2026, St. Mary's based State Troopers received a report of an assault. An individual entered a residence without permission and caused a disturbance resulting in a struggle. The resident assaulted them using a bat repeatedly. Charges of Burglary 1 and Assault 4 are being referred to DAO against the invader. Charges of Assault 3 excessive force are being referred to the DAO for the resident.
Posted on 1/9/2026 9:19:31 AM by DPS\qsmykham
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AK26000112
Location: AniakType: AssaultDispatch Text:
On 01/01/2026 at about 06:54 hours, Aniak based State Troopers received a report of an assault in Aniak. The incident has been forwarded to DAO.
Posted on 1/9/2026 9:20:47 AM by DPS\qsmykham
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AK26000407
Location: YK DeltaType: Sexual AssaultDispatch Text:
On 01/02/2026 Alaska State Troopers received a report of a sexual assault. Incident has been forwarded to DAO after investigation.
Posted on 1/9/2026 9:22:57 AM by DPS\qsmykham
D Detachment
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AK25047016
Location: FairbanksType: MICS 3Dispatch Text:
On 05/17/2025 at 0108 hours a Trooper conducted a traffic stop for a moving and equipment violation. The driver was Allison Ross. Ultimately, items consistent with sales and suspected methamphetamine was seized from the vehicle. This case is ongoing.
UPDATE 01/09/2026 After further investigation, Allison Ross is being charged with MICS 3.Posted on 5/17/2025 3:37:27 AM by DPS\hrchurness . Edited on 1/9/2026 4:47:37 PM by DPS\hrchurness
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AK26001824
Location: FairbanksType: Subject RemovalDispatch Text:
On 1/7/2026 at approximately 1033 hours, Alaska State Troopers were dispatched to a subject removal at a residence in the Goldstream area of Fairbanks. Kurt Wold, age 69, was arrested for Criminal Trespass 1 for unlawfully remaining in a dwelling. He was transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for treatment of weather-related injuries. Charges were forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office.Posted on 1/9/2026 9:45:36 AM by DPS\ajrenner
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AK26002634
Location: CantwellType: Drive in Violation of License RestrictionDispatch Text:
On 01/09/2026 at 1408 hours the Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop for speeding on a semi-truck and trailer being operated by Ieti Ieti, age 33 from Anchorage who was driving for Big Dreams Transport. Investigation determined Ieti was driving a CMV in violation of a license restriction and he was issued a misdemeanor summons for Driving in Violation of License Restriction. During the investigation multiple False Log violations were identified and Ieti was placed out of service due to those violations.
Posted on 1/9/2026 11:10:55 PM by DPS\dwbozman
E Detachment ...No news reported.
Headquarters ...No news reported.
AK Wildlife Troopers ...No news reported.
AK Bureau of Investigation
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AK26002306
Location: Big LakeType: Assault with a Firearm / SuicideDispatch Text:
On January 8, 2026, at 10:27am, Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence in Big Lake for a reported shooting. Investigation revealed Jude Legaux age 18 of Wasilla, shot another adult male. As the adult victim fled, Legaux continued firing several rounds, before turning the gun on himself. Legaux was pronounced deceased on scene. NOK has been notified. The adult victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Posted on 1/9/2026 10:01:14 AM by DPS\tjdespain
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