PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS: Sept. 9, 2017

Woman hospitalized after Wasilla home invasion robbery

WASILLA—A Wasilla woman was duct-taped, assaulted and threatened with a weapon following a Thursday-morning break in at a residence off South Tradewinds Circle near Knik-Goose Bay and Vine roads.

According to Alaska State Trooper dispatch, police received a call just before 7 a.m. to respond to a home invasion robbery call. According to reports, the victim was investigating an unsecured door when two suspects assaulted and threatened her with a weapon.

According to friends’ postings on social media, the woman was duct-taped and beaten and required an overnight hospital stay.

“It was 4:30 in the morning and she saw them barely. They were wearing ski masks and taped her eyes shut and then to a chair,” the son posted. “She is home and safe. She’s doing okay at the moment but pretty shook up,” the post stated.

The post said more than 15 guns were taken by the culprits. AST dispatch said the perpetrators also stole the victim’s vehicle, which her son stated was a dark blue 2013 Ford Flex with a personalized license plate “GDOVE”.

Troopers said the investigation is ongoing and that anyone with information is asked to contact AST at 745-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.

Wasilla man kills bear in self-defense

PALMER — Two moose hunters escaped injury after a Sept. 2 encounter with a brown bear.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers (AWT) reported 52-year-old Bobby Foote of Wasilla was hunting with a partner when he came upon a sow brown bear. Foote said the bear, which was with a second-year cub, charged and forced him to fire in self-defense.

AWT reported Foote fired one shot from a large rifle at close range and that the animal stopped approximately three feet away. Neither man was reported injured in the mishap.

Wildlife troopers said the cub is expected to survive. The sow’s hide and skull were surrendered to Alaska Department of Fish and Game for educational purposes or sold at the ADF&G annual fur auction.

Pennsylvania hunter requires helicopter rescue

PALMER — A Pennsylvania man had to be rescued by helicopter after getting separated from his group while hunting in a heavily forested, steep mountainside ravine Thursday evening.

According to AST dispatch, 24-year-old Bryce Baker became separated while hunting and was stuck in a ravine unable to get out. Troopers received the call around 6 p.m. Troopers said Baker was not injured, but was unable to self-rescue and was not carrying survival supplies. AST called in Helo 4 to the scene and contacted both the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group (AMRG) and Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) for assistance.

According to reports, RCC personnel arrived on the scene around 11 p.m., located and recovered Baker. The hunter was flown to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center where he was assessed and released.