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.

On 12/24/23 at 0621 hours, AST responded to a residence in Talkeetna for the report of an expected home death. Investigation revealed Faye Miller, age 69 of Talkeetna, died of natural causes. Next of kin was on scene.

On 12/24/23 at 1003 hours, AST responded to a residence on E. Village Loop in Wasilla for the report of a disturbance. Investigation revealed a 15-year-old male juvenile assaulted a household member and damaged private property. The juvenile was arrested for the original charges of Assault in the 4th Degree and Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. The juvenile was remanded into custody at the MSYF in Palmer.

On December 25, 2023, at around 3:00 pm, the Alaska State Troopers were notified of a multi-vehicle collision on the Glenn Highway near the Knik River Bridge. Troopers responded to the scene and located seven vehicles that had collided due to icy conditions. Two juveniles were taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. In short durations, the northbound Glenn Highway was partially closed for approximately 45 minutes as tow truck drivers removed the disabled vehicles from the bridge.

On 12/25/23 at approximately 1750 hours AST responded to a MVC near W Clarion Ave. Upon arrival AST contacted the driver who ID himself with an AK ID as Sean King. Investigation found Sean was operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Sean was ultimately arrested, transported and remanded to MSPT for DUI.

On 12/27/23 at 1043 hours, AST responded to a residence near mile post 10 of the Talkeetna Spur Road in Talkeetna for the report of a death. Investigation revealed 63-year-old Dieter Zepf passed away at his residence. Next of kin was notified and the SME took possession of Zepf’s remains. No foul play is suspected.

On 12/27/2023 at approximately 0011 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to an address on Lori Ann Circle in Palmer for a reported domestic disturbance. Investigation led to the arrest of Courtney Johansen, age 28 of Palmer, for Assault IV DV and Criminal Mischief DV. Johansen was remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held without bail.

On 12/26/2023 at approximately 2325 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a stolen vehicle from an address on Winterwood Circle in Palmer. On 12/27/2023 at approximately 0120 hours, Troopers responded back to the residence when it was reported that the suspect returned, likely looking to steal another vehicle. The homeowner gave chase as the suspect fled on a bicycle. Troopers responded to the area and, after a foot chase, arrested Benjamin Beasley age 33 of Wasilla, for Burglary II, Vehicle Theft I, & Criminal Trespass I. The stolen vehicle was located and recovered. Beasley was remanded to the custody of the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held without bail.

On 12/26/2023 at approximately 2217 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence near mile 10 Knik Goose Bay Road. Investigation revealed a 46-year-old Wasilla male was located deceased. No foul play is suspected, and Next of Kin was on scene.

On 12/28/2023, at approximately 1104 hours, AST responded to a multi-family residence in Houston, following up on a tip for a warrant arrest. Troopers made contact with the occupants of the residence, who confirmed that Joshua Jensen, age 36 of Wasilla, was inside the residence. After an array of factors became evident, including his lack of compliance to exit the residence, South Central SERT was activated and responded to the residence, and Josh was ultimately placed into custody and remanded at Mat-Su Pre-Trial.

On 12/28/2023 at approximately 0216 hours, Alaska State Troopers responded to Hollywood Road near Dickerson St. in Wasilla for a report of a female who was struck by a vehicle and killed. Investigation led to the arrest of Billy Sheldon, age 33 of Big Lake, on the charges of Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Hit & Run, DUI, and VCOR. Sheldon provided a BrAC of .167. Sheldon was remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held without bail. Next of Kin Notifications are underway and the identity is being withheld until complete.