Troopers seek suspects in separate Wasilla home invasions

WASILLA — Alaska State Troopers are asking for the public’s help in solving two violent home invasions earlier this week.

The first attack took place Monday morning. Troopers report a 41-year-old Wasilla woman was preparing to go to work when an unknown male broke into her home and sexually assaulted her. The woman reported the assault to police at 11:58 a.m., and troopers responded to the scene shortly after with a K-9 police dog, but were unable to locate the suspect. The victim was transported to Anchorage, where she was treated and examined by the state’s Sexual Assault Response Team.

Because of the nature of the crime, troopers have declined to say where the assault took place other than “the Wasilla area.”

The second home invasion took place Monday evening. Two white males wearing dark clothing and dark helmets — and armed with a baseball bat and knife — broke into a residence on Mack Road at about 11:55 p.m., troopers report. Once inside, the men forced the home’s occupant to sit on the floor while they ransacked his home. The burglars grabbed two rifles, a handgun and several dollars in change before fleeing the scene. The victim was uninjured in the attack.

Alaska State Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said troopers have not identified suspects in either of the home invasions. Although there is no evidence to suggest the two incidents are related, all possibilities are being pursued, she said.

“It’s a scary thought having a stranger coming into your home and robbing you or assaulting you,” Peters said, adding even in areas where one may feel comfortable with neighbors, it’s always a good idea to lock doors and windows when not in use.

Troopers are asking anyone with information about either crime to contact AST at 745-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 745-3333.

Contact Matt Tunseth at matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com or 352-2265.