POLICE BEAT: June 11, 2017

Alaska State Troopers

The Palmer ABI/Major Crimes unit began an investigation into a sexual assault that occurred on April 16. The investigation revealed that Troy Hepola, age 27, of Palmer, sexually assaulted a 20-year-old female acquaintance at his residence in Palmer. On June 8, Hepola was contacted at his residence and arrested on charges of first-degree sexual assault. He was taken to Mat-Su Pretrial where he was held without bail.

Wasilla Police Department

June 3, 2:08 p.m. Police arrested Christopher Skaggs for violating a domestic violence protection order. He was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held without bail until arraignment.

June 3, 7:11 p.m., East Parks Highway. Investigating a reported drug use complaint, police arrested Mandy Edelen on an outstanding warrant. Officers also reportedly took possession of drug paraphernalia and controlled substances. Further charges are pending.

June 3, 10:12 p.m., East Danna Avenue. Following up on a RDEDDI report, police arrested Thomas Thao for DUI. He was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility.

June 4, 2:36 p.m., South Seward-Meridian Highway. Police continue an after the fact shoplifting complaint at Walmart. According to reports, a juvenile was involved in three separate incidents.

June 4, 2:32 p.m., Parks Highway. Responding to a suspected illegal drug use complaint in a parking lot, police arrested Matthew Levi Baker on a probation violation and charged him with fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance. He was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility on the probation violation offense.

June 5, 8:58 a.m., South Endeavor Street-South Knik-Goose Bay Road. Police continue an investigation into the reported theft of a battery, valued at $200, out of state-owned machinery.

June 5, 9:07 a.m., East Herning Avenue. Police arrested Bruce Hess for disorderly conduct and second-degree terroristic threatening. According to reports, the disturbance occurred at Nunley Park and alleges Hess had threatened city workers, along with city and government officials. Bail was set at $1,000 and a court-appointed third party custodian.

June 5, 10:43 a.m., North Lucille Street. Police continue an investigation into the reported theft of copper wiring from two locations at a construction project. The loss is estimated at $5,000-$10,000.

June 5, 7:38 p.m., East Parks Highway. Responding to an area restaurant for a reported assault, police charged Richard Sutton for fourth-degree assault through the district attorney’s office. According to reports, Sutton assaulted a man after a confrontation at the restaurant in an ongoing civil dispute.

June 6, 11:15 p.m., North Yenlo Street. Police arrested Kyle Trout for DUI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, providing false information, fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree trespassing. According to reports, police were called to the area after receiving a report of a naked man acting erratically at a local business. Police allege Trout also broke a window. He was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility with bail set at $1,000 plus a court-appointed third party custodian.

June 7, 1:32 p.m., East Sun Mountain Avenue. Police arrested Glen Hamilton on two outstanding parole violation warrants on original charges of third-degree assault and two counts of second-degree theft. He was additionally charged with providing false information.

June 7, 7:22 p.m., East Sun Mountain Avenue. Police arrested Edgar Sims III on four felony warrants issued by Palmer and Anchorage police departments along with Alaska State Troopers; along with a misdemeanor warrant out of Anchorage. According to reports, the warrants were issued for first-degree burglary, second-degree theft, third-degree misconduct involving a weapon, second-degree forgery and scheming to defraud. An investigation revealed Sims as a suspect in several area vehicle break-ins and retail thefts. Sims' vehicle was impounded pending further investigation and he was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility and held without bail. June 7, 8:23 p.m., Parks Highway. Police arrested Mark Tankersley for DUI. According to reports, Tankersley was one of the individuals involved in a hit-and-run collision in an area business parking lot. He was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility.

June 7, 6:44 p.m., North Crusey Street-East Bogard Road. Police continue an investigation into the theft of a cell phone, sunglasses and money from an unsecured locker in the Brett Memorial Ice Arena locker room.