Police beat

July 20, 2007

All information reported in Police Beat is obtained from law enforcement reports. Contact managing editor Greg Johnson with questions at 352-2268 or greg.johnson@frontiersman.com

WASILLA POLICE DEPARTMENT

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

July 16, 8:18 a.m.: Police took a report of criminal mischief at a construction site located at Lucille Street and Aspen Avenue. Sometime between July 14 and 16 someone allegedly vandalized two heavy equipment machines at the site. Damage is estimated to be $700. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the police department at 352-5401 or Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333. The investigation continues.

Permit violation

July 18: Wasilla Police stopped Tiffany A. Ramirez, age 16 of Wasilla, for driving in violation of her instructional permit in the 700 block of Westpoint Drive . Ramirez was issued a summons to appear in court for the charge.

Death at home

July 18,, at approximately 5 p.m.: Wasilla Police received a report of an expected home death of Berthamae Gaffney, age 88 of Wasilla. Next of kin had been notified.

Probation violation

July 18, at approximately 6:35 p.m.: Employees from Carrs and First National Bank called and indicated there was an intoxicated male in the bank and in Carrs with an open container of beer who had been asked to leave and refused. The male was later identified as Joseph Kruger, age 27 of Anvik. Kruger was arrested for a probation violation and transported to the Mat-Su Pretrial facility.

MVC

July 16: Police responded to the Parks Highway and Boundary Street in Wasilla for a two vehicle collision. A vehicle driven by Jessica L. Raschke, 21, of Wasilla was traveling eastbound on the Parks Highway turning left into the Holiday gas station. The two westbound lanes of traffic were stopped and waved Raschke's vehicle through. A vehicle driven by Susan L. Elwell, 47, of Wasilla was westbound on the Parks Highway traveling to the right of the outside lane attempting to turn right onto Boundary Street was allegedly struck by Raschke's vehicle. No injuries were reported.

July 17, 4:30 p.m.: Police responded to a two vehicle collision at Knik Goose Bay Road and Palmer-Wasilla Highway. Patricia Goldsmith, 32, of Wasilla was heading westbound on the Palmer-Wasilla extension when she allegedly rear-ended a vehicle driven by Tara Reed, 20, of Wasilla who was stopped in the turn lane when she was struck. No injuries were reported and there were minor damages to both vehicles.

July 17: Police responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident in the Carrs parking lot where a Chevy Tahoe, driven by Candi Lefferson, 27, of Wasilla allegedly collided with a Toyota Celica driven by William B. Wilson, 23, of Wasilla. After investigating the collision and interviewing numerous witnesses, Wilson, the driver the Toyota, was allegedly issued a summons to appear in court on a charge of reckless driving.

ALASKA STATE TROOPERS

MOCA/MCA

July 17, at approximately 3:32 a.m.: AST arrested Bertrell E. Poole, 19, of Wasilla, for Minor Operating After Consuming Alcohol, and Minor Consuming Alcohol after the vehicle she was driving was stopped near Seward Meridian on a disturbance investigation. Poole was transported to the Wasilla Police Department where she was issued a summons and released.

MVC

July 17, 9:30 p.m.: Troopers responded to a single vehicle collision on Lakeview Drive in Big Lake. An investigation revealed that Gary Burke, 51 of Big Lake, was traveling north on Lakeview Drive in his 1968, GMC Pickup, when the brakes on his vehicle allegedly locked up causing his vehicle to leave the roadway. Burke's vehicle sustained an estimated $2,000 in damage. Burke and his passenger were reported to have been wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident and were not injured. Burke was issued a citation for failure to show proof of insurance.

July 16, 8:56 a.m.: Troopers responded to the intersection of Luke Street and Palmer-Wasilla Highway for a report of a motor vehicle collision. Investigation revealed Paul Wallin, 51, of Wasilla was east bound on Palmer-Wasilla Highway and turning left onto Luke Street in his red 2000 Ford F150. Hilary Currey was approaching the Palmer-Wasilla Highway on Luke Street in her red 2006 Ford Explorer. Wallin allegedly cut the corner short and collided with Currey in the intersection. Nobody was injured and all parties reported wearing seatbelts. Damage to the Explorer and F150 is estimated at approximately $1,000 each.

WARRANT ARREST

July 17, 3:33 p.m.: Teresa J. Burkhart, 47, of Wasilla was contacted by the Judicial Services Warrant Section for a warrant in Wasilla. She was transported to Mat Su Pre-Trial Facility and lodged in lieu of $1,000 cash only bail and court approved third party. The charge was allegedly for failure to comply with probation conditions for the original charges of DUI/NVOL and misconduct involving a controlled substance VI.

July 17, 3:33 p.m.: Teresa J. Burkhart, 47, of Wasilla was contacted by the Judicial Services Warrant Section for a warrant at about 3:33 p.m. in Wasilla. She was transported to Mat Su Pre-Trial Facility and lodged in lieu of $1,000 cash only bail and Court Approved Third Party. The charge was for Failure to Comply with Probation Conditions for the original charges of DUI/NVOL and Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance 6th Degree.

July 18 at approximately 9:45 a.m.: Alaska State Troopers responded to a disturbance at the Finger Lake Camp Ground. Investigation revealed that Don Stevens, 36, of Anchorage, was creating a disturbance by yelling at other family members he was camping with. It was discovered that Stevens had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. Stevens was arrested for Failing to Appear (FTA) arraignment on the original charge of DWLR and no insurance with bail set at $1,500 on the original charge of DWLR with &#8220No Bail,” and contempt of court with bail set at $250 cash. All warrants were from Anchorage. Stevens was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial.

Assault III

July 18 at approximately 11:50 p.m.: Alaska State Troopers arrested David B. Randall, 50, of Wasilla, for Assault III. Randall was contacted after a citizen's report of a man waving a pistol in the area of Pittman Road near Peninsula Road in Wasilla. Randall was transported to MSPT where he was remanded into custody on $3,000 cash bail.

Theft III

July 18 at approximately 9:51 p.m.: Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a theft at 501 Skip Circle in Wasilla. Investigation revealed that two handguns had been stolen from the residence. This case is under further investigation. If you have any information regarding this incident please call Alaska State Troopers at 745-2131 or Crimestoppers at 745-3333.

July 17 at approximately 2:54 p.m.: Leslie McKown, age 26, of Wasilla, reported that a home built trailer bearing the plate 6190RS was stolen from her home on Vecera Dr. in Wasilla. Investigation revealed the theft occurred between 6 p.m. July 16 and 2 p.m. July 17. Total loss is estimated at $400. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact AST at 373-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 745-3333. Investigation continues.

DUI, Resisting Arrest

July 18 at approximately 6:49 p.m.: Alaska State Troopers arrested Teresa Lynn Aslakson, age 46, of Eagle River for DUI and resisting arrest. Aslaskson was contacted after Troopers responded to a REDDI report at Trunk and Bogard Road in Wasilla. Aslakson became combative when informed she was being arrested for DUI. Aslakson was arrested and transported to Mat-Su PreTrial where she was remanded into custody on $750.00 bail.

Vehicle Theft 1

July 18 at 6:38 p.m.: Jack Bussing, age 40, of Wasilla reported 2 hobby stock style race cars stolen from his property on Pittman Road in Wasilla. They are described as (1) 1976 Dodge four door black with yellow numbers on the doors and roof which say &#822083” and (2) a 1993 Chevrolet four door blue with a white roof. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Troopers at 352-5401. Investigation continues.

DWLR

July 18 at approximately 4:23 p.m.: Alaska State Troopers stopped a maroon 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass near Mile 7 of Knik Goose Bay Road for not displaying a front plate. Investigation revealed that the driver, 28, Michael Paul Scott of Wasilla was DWLR for the original charge or DUI. Scott was issued a Uniform Summons and Complaint for DWLR. Scott was also issued citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance and not displaying a front license plate. The Oldsmobile was towed off scene due to the unavailability of a licensed driver.

Burglary I

July 18 at approximately 5:36 p.m.; Alaska State Troopers responded to a reported burglary at a residence located on Binnacle Drive, Wasilla. Further investigation revealed that an unknown subject(s) pried open the front entry door and entered the residence while the residents were out working. The subject(s) then departed the residence after removing approximately $7000.00 in personal property to include an LG 42” piano black flat screen television. The residence was processed for evidence by the State Crime Laboratory. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers at 907—373-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 907-745-3333.

MVC-D

July 17, at about 9:30 p.m.: Alaska State Troopers responded to a single vehicle collision on Lakeview Drive in Big Lake. An investigation revealed that Gary Burke, age 51 of Big Lake, was traveling north on Lakeview Drive in his 1968, GMC Pickup, when the brakes on his vehicle locked up causing his vehicle to leave the roadway. Burke's vehicle sustained an estimated $2,000 in damage. Burke and his passenger were reported to have been wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident and were not injured. Burke was issued a citation for failure to show proof of insurance.

MVC-Damage

July 16 at approximately 8:56 a.m.: Alaska State Troopers responded to the intersection of Luke Street and Palmer Wasilla Highway for a report of a motor vehicle collision. Investigation revealed Paul Wallin, age 51 of Wasilla, was eastbound on Palmer Wasilla Highway and turning left onto Luke Street in his red 2000 Ford F150. Hilary Currey was approaching the Palmer Wasilla Highway on Luke Street in her red 2006 Ford Explorer. Wallin cut the corner short and collided with Currey in the intersection. Nobody was injured and all parties reported wearing seatbelts. Damage to the Explorer and F150 is estimated at approximately $1,000 each.

Robbery, Assault, Theft (Two counts)

June 11 at approximately 5:32 p.m.: Reona Kobayashi, 21 of Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Japan, contacted State Troopers at AST Palmer post to report a theft of camping equipment. Investigation revealed that between 4:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. hours on June 11, an unknown individual or individuals stole a red hiker's backpack with a tent, sleeping bag and personal items from a camp site along the Kink River in Palmer near Jim Creek. Kobayashi estimated the value of the stolen items at $1,000. On June 12 at approximately 12:43 p.m., State Troopers responded to the &#8220Pavilion” located on Sullivan Road, Palmer for the report of a Robbery, assault and multiple thefts involving Kobayashi. Investigation revealed that on June 11, Kobayashi was contacted by an individual who claimed to know who stole his belongings. Kobayashi reported paying the unnamed individual $200 for the return of his camping gear and was then later assaulted and robbed by the same individual on June 12 at approximately 12 p.m. on the the east side of Jim Creek. Kobayashi reported losing approximately $500 cash as well as traveler's checks, credit cards and camping equipment. Investigation is continuing. Any person with information is asked to contact AST at 745-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.

Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, Vehicle Theft I, DUI, MOCA, MCA, Driving in Violation of an Provisional License, MVC - 1

July 19, at approximately 5:39 a.m.: Troopers responded to the report of a vehicle stuck on Stanley Road in Wasilla with juveniles in the area. Investigation determined two juvenile females age 16 and 17, had been given alcohol by a 21 year old male at a residence in Wasilla. The females then took the males vehicle without his knowledge and consent. The juvenile female driver ran off the roadway causing approximately $5000.00 in damage. The driver was transported to Mat-Su Regional Hospital and treated. The second female was located at her residence and refused medical treatment. Both parents were contacted and the juveniles were with parents when Troopers departed. Investigation is still continuing and charges will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office and Juvenile Intake

Burglary 1, Theft 2, Theft 4

July 15, at approximately 5:51 p.m.: Troopers responded to 6798 W. Knox Dr., in Wasilla for the report of an unknown male inside a residence. Investigation revealed Tomy Buskirk, age 39, of Wasilla had entered and remained inside the residence unlawfully. While inside the residence, Buskirk consumed food items valued at $20.00 and stole a handgun. Buskirk was arrested and remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and bail was set at $5000.00 cash only.

Warrant Arrest

July 15, at approximately 10:32 p.m.: Troopers were contacted by Joshua Beebe, age 22, of Wasilla regarding a warrant for his arrest. Beebe fled earlier in the day avoiding capture on the arrest warrant for escape on theft charges and called Troopers to turn himself in. Beebe was taken into custody without further incident and remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held without bail.

Warrant Arrest

July 15, at approximately 3:13 p.m.: Alaska State Troopers contacted a 17-year-old female at Steve's Food Boy in Big Lake, after she was caught shoplifting a $9 pair of slippers by the store's Loss Prevention Agent. Further investigation revealed that the juvenile had a misdemeanor warrant for her arrest for failure to appear on the original charge of Minor Consuming Alcohol. The juvenile's mother was issued a Civil Demand by the Loss Prevention Agent. The juvenile was arrested and remanded to the Palmer Juvenile Intake facility on $500 bail.

Arrest Warrant

July 16, at approximately 2:08 a.m.: The Alaska State Troopers contacted Kevin Langford at his residence off of Stacy Street. Investigation revealed Langford had an outstanding arrest warrant for Contempt of Court on an original charge of No Insurance. Langford was arrested, transported, and remanded to MatSu Pretrial Facility where bail was set at $500.

Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance 6th Degree (MICS 6)

July 14, at approximately 9:35 p.m.: Talkeetna AST stopped a vehicle in Talkeetna that had been reported as a REDDI. Subsequent investigation revealed, the driver was not intoxicated and that a passenger, Shawn Cooper, 18 of Talkeetna, possessed a small amount of marijuana on his person. Cooper was issued a summons to appear in court for MICS 6th Degree and was released from the scene.

Driving Under the Influence

July 14, at approximately 10:04 p.m.: Talkeetna AST stopped a 1999 Ford Escort after it was observed to back into another vehicle in a parking lot in Talkeetna. Subsequent investigation revealed that the driver, Nicole Chipman, 25 of Talkeetna, was driving under the influence of alcohol. Chipman was arrested for DUI and transported to Mat-Su Pre-Trail where she was remanded for $500 bail. Further investigation revealed that neither vehicle had been damaged in the collision.

Criminal Mischief 3 & 4, DV

July 16, at approximately 4 p.m.: Troopers responded to 7100 S. Brimstone Dr. in Wasilla for the report of a domestic

disturbance. Investigation revealed Darrel Willis, age 19, of Wasilla was at the residence and caused damage to the garage door and broke out a garage window. The damage was estimated in excess of $500.00. Willis had also broken a window, a chair, and a lamp at a residence on Eider Way in Wasilla. Damages on Eider Way are estimated between $200 and $300. Willis was arrested and remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held without bail.

DUI

July 16, at approximately 8:52 a.m.: Troopers contacted Apolinaria Usoltseff, age 29, of Wasilla during a traffic stop for

speeding on the Parks Hwy at approximately MP 62. Investigation revealed Usoltseff was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Usoltseff was arrested and remanded to the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held on $1,000 bail.

BUREAU OF WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT

SPORTFISHING IN CLOSED WATERS

July 13: John Daw, 55, of Alexandria, Virginia was contacted by Wildlife Troopers for sportfishing for king salmon on Little Willow Creek below the Parks Highway Bridge. Daw was cited and bail is set at $110.