Troopers arrest man on felony DUI at Butte Elementary School after prompt call from staff

BUTTE — Alaska State Troopers arrested Wasilla resident Robert Armstrong at Butte Elementary School Wednesday morning, responding to a call from a school staff member. Armstrong, 52, was arrested after failing a field sobriety test and was charged with a felony DUI, according to AST Information Officer Megan Peters.

Peters said that at approximately 7:10 a.m., the staff member contacted AST. The staff member arrived at the school a few minutes before the call, noticing a vehicle in the parking lot. The engine was running and he saw a man inside, slumped over the wheel, according to Peters. The staff member went inside, locked the door behind them and called AST.

AST officer James Kurth responded to the call. Kurth said that when he arrived on the scene, he saw that the vehicle was parked near the front entrance of the school. He said that he contacted Armstrong and conducted an investigation.

Armstrong had prior convictions and a revoked license, according to Kurth. He said that after Armstrong was arrested, troopers found unidentifiable, controlled substances in Armstrong’s possession which was sent out for testing.

“We always appreciate calls from citizens that are aware of what’s going on in their surroundings. This was especially important because it was a school,” Kurth said. “It was a good call from the staff member of the school.”

Mat-Su Borough School District Public Information Officer Jillian Morrissey stated via text message, “There was no threat to school community and measures are being taken to avoid future incidences.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com