Mat-Su Police Blotter

​​All information reported in the Police Beat is obtained from police department press releases. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Alaska State Troopers

On 1/26/24 AST responded to a 911 open line on Tributary Ave. Following the investigation Troopers met with Lexi Tresham, age 23 of Wasilla, at a residence on Fairview Loop. Tresham was arrested and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial for violation of conditions of release for a previous domestic violence-related incident.

On 1/27/2024, at approximately 1645 hours, AST responded to the area of Old Matanuska Rd and Fairview Loop in Wasilla for a two vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that a front end loader struck a small sedan while each was navigating the intersection. There was minor damage and no injuries to either party involved.

On 1/27/2024, at approximately 1727 hours, units from the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska State Parks and EMS, responded to mile 9 of Palmer Fishhook Road for a two vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that a truck traveling south on Palmer Fishhook road was not able to maintain its lane, crossing into the opposite lane of travel striking another vehicle head on. Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and no injuries were reported. AST would like to thank State Parks for their quick response and assistance.

On 1/26/24 at approximately 1920 hours Palmer AST responded to an active disturbance at a residence on Bassam Circle in Wasilla. Investigation revealed Zeek Cabezut, age 18 of Wasilla, had assaulted a family member. Cabezut was arrested, transported to Mat-Su Pretrial and remanded for 1 count of DV Assault 4th Degree where he was held without bail.

On 1/26/24 AST responded to a disturbance in Big Lake. Following the investigation Troopers contacted Brian Sandidge, age 45 of Wasilla, at a residence in Wasilla. Sandidge was arrested and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial for DV assault in the fourth degree and violation of conditions of release.

On 1/27/2024 at approximately 1923 hours, MATCOM AST dispatch received a call of a crash at Knik Goose Bay Rd and Wellington Drive in Wasilla. AST was advised that it was a head-on collision. Investigation revealed the driver of the at-fault vehicle, Candace Otto, 37, of Wasilla, was under the influence of alcohol and was turning off KGB onto Wellington Dr. She did not make the turn and was hit. Her actions caused the injury and hospitalization of 3 others, including the passenger in her car. Candace was arrested, she had a breath alcohol content of .230 g/ml. She was remanded at MATSU pretrial for charges of DUI, Assault 3, Assault 3, and Reckless Endangerment. Candace was held without bail.

On 1/28/2024 at approximately 0710 hours, AST responded to the area of Knik River Rd. and Ben Hur Dr. for a report of a Vehicle in the ditch, with the driver passed out inside. John Leonard, 56 of Palmer, was the sole occupant, in the driver seat while the vehicle was running. There was a strong odor of Alcohol from inside the vehicle. While attempting to speak with Leonard a brief struggle ensued. Leonard was quickly placed into handcuffs and arrested for DUI. Leonard was transported to Palmer AST post for processing before being remanded to MSPT. No troopers were injured.

On January 28, 2024, at approximately 1520 Hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a head on motor vehicle collision on Parks Highway and Vine Road. Investigation revealed that. Sally Noe was driving South on Parks. Kendall Chaika was making a left hand turn onto Vine Road from the North bound lane where the accident occurred. Those two vehicles slid and collied with another vehicle at that intersection. Sally was transported to Mat-Su Regional by EMS for non-life threating injuries.

On 1/28/2024 at approximately 2151 hours AST received a report of an active domestic disturbance involving a strangulation in Wasilla. Upon arrival, AST was able to detain the suspect Johnny Ellison. Investigations revealed Johnny had physically assaulted the victim at the residence numerous times with three separate strangulation events. Johnny was charged with Assault in the second, third, and fourth degree, Criminal Mischief in the third degree, Interference with report of a DV crime, and Harassment.

On 01/29/2024 at approximately 0051 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a semi-truck vs. pickup truck head-on collision at mile marker 73 Parks Hwy in Willow. Investigation revealed a 2015 Peterbilt and a 2005 Nissan Titan collided head-on. A passenger in the Nissan Titan was identified as Ethan Bettes, age 19 of Talkeetna, and was killed in the collision. The drivers sustained minor injuries. While AST was responding, a second semi-truck collided with the 2015 Peterbilt, but no additional injuries were reported. Scene investigation revealed heavy snow accumulation (two-foot berm in the middle of the highway) and white out conditions were major contributing factors in the incident. All parties were wearing seatbelts. Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected. Next of Kin has been notified. Investigation into this incident is ongoing.

On 01/28/2024 at approximately 1955 hours, Alaska State Troopers conducted a death investigation at a residence on Plymouth Cir in Wasilla. No foul play is suspected and next of kin was on scene.

On 01/28/2024 at 2300 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a disturbance in Big Lake. Investigation revealed, Zachary Trout 25 YOA, was intoxicated and placed a household member in fear of imminent physical injury. Trout was arrested and remanded at Mat-Su Pretrial where he will be held without bail.