PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS: Aug. 31, 2017

Troopers: Thieves ring up $11,500 in stolen property

BIG LAKE — Alaska State Troopers (AST) are seeking the public’s help in solving several cabin break-ins on Crooked Lake. According to reports, troopers responded to two separate incidents involving approximately $11,500 in items stolen.

The first incident involved multiple items, including an ATV, which were taken from a cabin and adjacent shed on the property. Estimated value of that break-in is approximately $10,000. The second complaint involved someone stealing approximately $1,500 worth of items from shed.

AST dispatch stated both cases remain under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact AST at 745-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.

Glenn Highway crash injures one

PALMER — Troopers are asking for the public’s help in finding two people believed to be involved with a single-vehicle accident Tuesday that sent one person to the hospital.

Troopers said they responded to Mile 36 of the Glenn Highway—just prior to the Parks Highway interchange, and found that a gray Jeep had left the roadway and rolled down an embankment. Police said two male individuals left the vehicle walking toward Wasilla. Troopers said one of the subjects was wearing a maroon coat with gold sleeves and the second, a blue T-shirt.

A female passenger was transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for minor injuries. Troopers are asking anyone with information to contact AST at 745-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.

Moose killed, Subaru driver injured after Glenn collision

PALMER — The driver of a Subaru Forester was transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center following a vehicle-moose collision Monday night.

According to Alaska State Trooper dispatch, the accident occurred just after 10 p.m. at Mile 58 of the Glenn Highway. Troopers state the vehicle hit and killed a small calf moose. The driver was treated for minor injuries.

Escape attempt ends in K9 takedown

Alaska State Trooper K9 Blazer helped troopers apprehend a 54-year-old Anchorage man after a brief pursuit in Palmer early Thursday.

According to AST dispatch, troopers on patrol observed a suspicious vehicle parked at a row of mailboxes on Shenandoah and Cumberland Circle in Palmer. Police say they observed a male subject, later identified as John Finlay, closing multiple boxes before returning to the vehicle.

Police say while taking Finlay into custody, he resisted arrest, broke free and fled into nearby woods. K9 Blazer was deployed, located and apprehended Finlay, who troopers say had multiple outstanding arrest warrants. Included were $2,500 warrants for second and fourth-degree theft, first-degree vehicle theft, and two no-bail warrants on original charges of first-degree burglary and fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance.

After receiving medical attention for injuries sustained in the K9 apprehension, Finlay was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial Facility.

Big Lake sisters facing assault charges

Two Big Lake sisters are facing charges through the district attorney’s office for a Tuesday morning incident.

According to Alaska State Trooper dispatch, troopers charged 19-year-old Sabrina Luafulu with fourth-degree assault and 22-year-old Lila Luafulu with second-degree hindering prosecution after responding to a fight between two females on Birch Road.

Troopers arrived on the scene and contacted the victim/complainant who informed them she was attempting to take photos of a suspicious vehicle driving around her neighborhood. Police state the victim confronted the occupants and a passenger exited a silver-colored Impala, attacking the victim through her driver-side window.

According to reports, the victim sustained minor facial and head injuries in the assault. Troopers said during their investigation, they learned Lila Luafulu knew of the incident and withheld information when questioned.

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com