Two arrested in Hatcher Pass assault case

ANCHORAGE — Alaska Bureau of Investigation (ABI) has arrested two Anchorage men in connection with an Oct. 27 assault of two men in Hatcher Pass.

Anchorage resident Matthew Scharber, 34, was arraigned in Anchorage jail court Wednesday on felony charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, and vehicle theft. Thursday, ABI announced its Special Crimes Investigation Unit (SCIU), which was responsible for Scharber's arrest, also charged 26-year old Corey. S. Sylva for his part in the alleged kidnapping and assault. Police say he was arrested Wednesday evening and held with a "no bail" status pending arraignment.

The men are allegedly involved with the assault of two brothers--22-year old Kevin Kirlin, and 23-year old Keeton Kirlin. According to police, a passerby driving near the Archangel Trail side of the pass near Palmer spotted the two men lying on the road. Both had been shot multiple times but were conscious when troopers arrived around 5 a.m. Both were taken to Anchorage hospitals and treated for non life-threatening injuries, troopers stated in their original report.

According to police affidavits, the brothers arrived at Scharber's Anchorage apartment looking lost jewelry. The brothers stated they were then held at gunpoint, pistol-whipped, tied and beaten by two men. Several hours later, police state the two were taken out of the apartment, loaded in their own vehicle and driven to Hatcher Pass.

Court records after arriving at Hatcher Pass, one brother was shot in the thigh and abdomen, and the other in the arm and shoulder. The brothers, one handcuffed wearing only boxers and a tee-shirt, told police they spent three hours on road during which time four vehicles passed them.

Police report finding blood stains, cigarette butts and bullet casings in the snow near the place the brothers were located. Their stolen 2005 Subaru was recovered from the Tikahtnu Commons Target parking lot in Anchorage later in that same day.

Alaska State Troopers, with assistance of Anchorage Police Department's SWAT and Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team (WAANT) executed a search warrant on Scharber's residence around 6 p.m. Tuesday. During the search, officers allegedly found evidence relating to multiple crimes as well as a large amount of methamphetamine, a scale, and related packaging materials.

Scharber faces two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of kidnapping and one count of first-degree vehicle theft. Sylva has been charged with one count of first-degree assault. Both remain jailed. Scharber's bail was set at $250,000 cash or corporate appearance bond, with a $100,000 performance bond plus a third-party custodian at his Wednesday arraignment. No drug charges have yet been filed on Scharber but police say its investigation into all aspects of the case continues and that the SCIU continues its work with the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office.

UPDATE: On 11-2-16, investigators with SCIU identified a second male involved in the kidnapping and assault of the victims. The male was identified as Corey S. Sylva, 26 of Anchorage. An arrest warrant was obtained on Sylva for his part in the kidnapping and assault of the victims. SCIU took Sylva into custody for the warrant at about 1730 hours. Sylva was transported to the Anchorage where he was held in a ‘no bail’ status, pending arraignment. Investigation continues.