Alaska State Troopers Press Release of Monday, April 24, 2023

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

A Detachment

  • AK23039354

    Location: Juneau
    Type: Inmate Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On April 22, 2023, at 4:42 pm, the Alaska State Troopers were notified that an adult male inmate at Lemon Creek Correctional Center was found unresponsive in his cell. Troopers responded to the scene, and a preliminary investigation revealed that Correctional Officers located 27-year-old Mark Cook hanging in his cell and immediately began life-saving efforts. EMS transported Cook to a Juneau area hospital for advanced medical treatment. Cook was declared deceased on April 23, 2023. There is no evidence of foul play at this time; however, Troopers are conducting a thorough investigation into the death. Next of kin has been notified. Cook’s body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.

     

    Additional information can be found from the Alaska Department of Corrections at: https://doc.alaska.gov/commish/pressreleases/Cook 42323.pdf

    Posted on 4/24/2023 10:02:15 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel

  • AK23039635

    Location: Seward
    Type: Domestic Violence

    Dispatch Text:

    On 04/23/2023, Troopers responded to the Bayview Trailer Park for a disturbance between a male and a female. Investigation revealed Michael Ramirez (32, Seward) assaulted his girlfriend. Michael was remanded at the Seward Jail without bail for Assault 3rd Degree (felony), Assault 4th (misdemeanor) and Violating Conditions of Release. 

    Posted on 4/24/2023 12:52:10 AM by DPS\eloncay

  • AK23034537

    Location: Seward
    Type: MICS 2, MIW 2, Removal Identification Marks

    Dispatch Text:

    On 04/22/2023 at approximately 1057 hours, Seward AST executed a search warrant on a residence in Seward with the assistance of US Forest Services and Seward Police. The investigation revealed Daniel J. Hickey, 41 YOA of Seward, was in possession of suspected methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Additionally, the investigation revealed Daniel manufactured suspected methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Seward AST seized five firearms, $620 US currency, three ledgers, four digital scales, and packaging materials during the execution of the search warrant. Daniel was placed under arrest for four counts of misconduct involving controlled substances (MICS) in the second degree (Class A Felonies), two counts of MICS in the third degree (Class B Felonies), five counts of misconduct involving weapons (MIW) in the second degree (Class B Felonies), and removal of identification marks (Class C Felony). Daniel was remanded to the Seward City Jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 12:54:10 AM by DPS\jlyavorsky

  • AK23039652

    Location: Seward
    Type: Warrant Arrest, Hindering Prosecution, Misconduct Involving Controlled Substances

    Dispatch Text:

    On 04/23/2023, Seward Troopers located and arrested Darren Lackey (37, Seward) for a felony arrest warrant at the Bayview Trailer Park. During the course of the investigation Jordan Hargreaves (27, Seward) rendered Darren assistance to hinder his apprehension. Jordan was also in possession of suspected methamphetamine and was remanded at the Seward Jail on the charges of Hindering Prosecution 1st Degree (felony), Misconduct Involving Controlled Substances 4th Degree (felony) and Violating Conditions of Release (misdemeanor).

    Posted on 4/24/2023 1:03:57 AM by DPS\eloncay

B Detachment

  • AK23039623

    Location: Sutton
    Type: DUI/Refusal

    Dispatch Text:

    On 04/23/2023 at approximately 1733 hours, Alaska State Troopers stopped a Toyota pickup near mile 60 of the Glenn Highway after it nearly struck the trooper head on.  Investigation revealed the driver, Thomas Wilson III, age 41 of Sutton, was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  Wilson was arrested and transported to Palmer Post for processing, where he refused to submit to a chemical test.  Wilson was charged with DUI and Refusal and remanded to Matsu Pretrial where he was held until sober and released on his own recognizance. 

    Posted on 4/24/2023 9:04:08 AM by DPS\sanorman

  • AK23039124

    Location: Palmer
    Type: Death Investigation

    Dispatch Text:

    On 04/21/2023 at 2021 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to the area of Hatcher Pass for the report of an entrapped skier. Investigation revealed William Snyder 35 YOA of Colorado was skiing in the area of Gold Cord trail and fell, sustaining life-threatening injuries. Life-saving measures were performed but ultimately were unsuccessful. Snyder's remains were able to be recovered from the mountain with the help of State Park Rangers and Palmer Fire & Rescue. Next of Kin was notified. Alcohol did not appear to be a factor, and no signs of foul play suspected.

    *This release updated to identify the name of the trail. 

    Posted on 4/22/2023 5:28:39 AM by DPS\mdbarela . Edited on 4/24/2023 9:54:54 AM by DPS\ajmcdaniel

C Detachment

  • AK23037293

    Location: Koyuk
    Type: Violate Conditions

    Dispatch Text:

    On 4/17/23 at approximately 09:47 hours, Alaska State Troopers arrested 63 YOA Daniel Nassuk of Koyuk for Violating Conditions of his Release.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 12:44:47 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK23037382

    Location: Koyuk
    Type: Violate Conditions

    Dispatch Text:

    On 4/17/23 at approximately 13:35 hours, 25 YOA William Hoogendorn of Koyuk was arrested for Violating Conditions of his Release.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 12:45:32 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK23037507

    Location: Unalakleet
    Type: Drugs

    Dispatch Text:

    On 4/17/23 at approximately 18:08 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of Drugs. Closed by investigation.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 12:46:14 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK23037566

    Location: Akutan
    Type: Assault - Non DV

    Dispatch Text:

    On 4/18/2023 at approximately 01:35 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an Assault - Non DV. Investigation resulted in 56 YOA Richard Stepetin of Akutan being charged with Assault 4.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 12:47:15 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK23037873

    Location: Kodiak
    Type: Violate Conditions

    Dispatch Text:

    On 4/18/23 at approximately 17:53 hours, Alaska State Troopers arrested 45 YOA Sarrah Luna of Kodiak for Violating Conditions of her Release.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 12:48:08 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

  • AK23038197

    Location: Saint Michael
    Type: Violate Conditions

    Dispatch Text:

    On 4/19/23 at approximately 15:54 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a Disturbance. Investigation resulted in the arrest o 30 YOA Ales Otten of Stebbins for Violating Conditions of his Release.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 12:49:15 PM by DPS\tjsmith3

D Detachment

  • AK23039703

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: DV-Assault 4th Degree

    Dispatch Text:

    On April 24,2023, at approximately 0223 hours, the Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks received a report of an assault at a residence near Lakeview Terrace Road. Investigation revealed that Dylan Hailey 28 Y/O of Fairbanks, assaulted a family member. Mr. Hailey was arrested and remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center on one count assault in the Fourth degree for assaulting a family member.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 7:18:16 AM by DPS\gesommers

  • AK23039830

    Location: Dot Lake
    Type: Traffic Violation / Failure to Stop at Direction of Peace Officer

    Dispatch Text:

    On 04/24/2023 at approximately 1120 hours, Alaska State Troopers were patrolling in the area of Dot Lake. The driver of a maroon 1996 Chevy pickup bearing AK plate LJL469 was driving without a seat belt. AST initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver failed to stop at the direction of a peace officer. The pursuit was discontinued due to public safety concerns and the investigation is still ongoing.  

    Anyone with information about this crime can call the Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks at (907) 451-5100. If you would like to remain anonymous you can submit tips through the AKTips smartphone app or securely online at https://dps.alaska.gov/tips. You can also text the keywork AKTips to 847411 followed by your anonymous tip.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 10:51:46 PM by DPS\vaplotnikov

  • AK23039994

    Location: Tok
    Type: Burg I / Vehicle Theft I

    Dispatch Text:

    On 04/24/2023 at approximately 1514 hours, Alaska State Trooper received a report of a burglary in the Tok area. Investigation revealed multiple items missing from the residence including a red 1998 Ford F150 bearing AK plate FLB938. Investigation is still ongoing. 

    Anyone with information about this crime can call the Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks at (907) 451-5100. If you would like to remain anonymous you can submit tips through the AKTips smartphone app or securely online at https://dps.alaska.gov/tips. You can also text the keywork AKTips to 847411 followed by your anonymous tip.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 10:52:50 PM by DPS\vaplotnikov

  • AK23040011

    Location: Fairbanks
    Type: Disturbance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 04/24/2023 at approximately 1830 hours, Troopers were dispatched to 3706 Swenson about a disturbance. Trooper's investigation determined that a juvenile assaulted Newman, Oliver. In turn, Newman, Oliver assaulted the juvenile's dad, Leon Guerrero, Jerry. Charges will be forwarded to DJJ and the District Attorney's office.

    Posted on 4/24/2023 11:16:24 PM by DPS\oamodestoOrdonez

E Detachment ...No news reported.

Headquarters ...No news reported.

AK Wildlife Troopers ...No news reported.

AK Bureau of Investigation

  • AK23038775

    Location: Kodiak
    Type: Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance

    Dispatch Text:

    On 4/21/23, the Kodiak Statewide Drug Enforcement (SDEU) with the assistance of the Kodiak Wildlife Troopers, Alaska State Troopers and Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), conducted an interdiction at the Kodiak ferry terminal of a well-known individual suspected to be trafficking controlled substances to Kodiak. The subsequent investigation led to the detention of Mark Benton, 57 yoa of Kodiak.

    During the contact, M. Benton attempted to flee on foot. M. Benton was immediately pursued and made it a short distance before being detained.

    M. Benton was found to be in possession of a distribution amount of blue "M30" imprinted fentanyl pills, cocaine and methamphetamine. 

    M. Benton was remanded to the Kodiak Jail for felony Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the 2nd and 3rd Degree, along with Violations of Conditions of Release.

    The Kodiak Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit is made up of members from the Alaska State Troopers, United States Coast Guard Investigative Service and Kodiak Police Department.

     

    Posted on 4/24/2023 8:39:41 AM by DPS\gjfrost

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.