Man locks himself in car to avoid search

On Oct. 5, Joshua William Hardy Burgher, 26, of Anchorage, was indicted on two felony counts — Misconduct Involving Weapons in the third degree and Theft in the second degree.

The crimes allegedly took place on Oct. 4 in Wasilla when Burgher was allegedly stopped by police going 74 mph in a 45 mph zone. Police say he had a 15-year-old female passenger, who told police she “didn’t really know Burgher, but he was giving her a ride to Anchorage,” and told police she no longer wanted to ride with him because he was “acting strange.”

A records check revealed Burgher was on probation for robbery in the second degree. A call to Burgher’s probation officer led to a request for a search of the vehicle, but police say that upon informing Burgher that he needed to step out of his car, Burgher instead attempted to lock and close the door to prevent the officer from executing the search.

Eventually police were able to search the vehicle, where they say they found a black Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol.

According to reports, Burgher denied knowledge of the firearm, which had been reported stolen from an owner in Anchorage, being in the vehicle.

Burgher was arrested on the two counts and bonded out on $2,500. His next court appearance is Nov. 29.