Information for this report was taken from publicly available law enforcement records and includes arrest and citation information. Anyone listed in this report is presumed innocent.
On Nov. 23 at 11:36 a.m., Alaska State Troopers performed a routine traffic stop on a vehicle near Mile 81 of the Sterling Highway for multiple equipment violations. Investigation revealed that the driver, Phillip Warren, 57, of Sterling, was in possession of a controlled substance and that he had a previous conviction of fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance in 2014. Further investigation revealed that he had obtained the substance from his mother, Judith Warren, 80, of Sterling. Judith later arrived on scene and admitted to having given Phillip the controlled substance. Judith was issued a misdemeanor citation for fifth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance and was released on scene. Phillip was arrested and later taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on one count of fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance.
On Nov. 23 at about 2:20 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a motor vehicle collision near the Kenai Spur Highway and Cherilyn Avenue in Nikiski. Investigation revealed that Pamela Gillies, 69, of Kenai, made an improper U-turn in the highway, striking another vehicle in the process. No injuries occurred. Gillies was issued a citation for negligent driving. All parties were released from scene, and both vehicles were driven away.
On Nov. 23 at 10:59 p.m., Alaska State Troopers were dispatched to a residence on Whisper Way in Soldotna for a report of suspicious circumstances. Investigation revealed that Ronald L. Kier, Jr., 38, of Sterling, drove to the location while he was impaired with a juvenile in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Kier was in possession of controlled substances and was distributing them. Kier was arrested for second-degree and fifth-degree misconduct involving controlled substances, driving under the influence, and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.
On Nov. 24 at about 7:00 a.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence near Mile 146 of the Sterling Highway regarding a suspicious person and contacted Joshua McDonnell, 37, of Soldotna. A records check showed that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest on original charges of harassment and criminal trespass. McDonnell was taken to and held at the Homer Jail, pending arraignment.
On Nov. 24 at 9:31 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a vehicle crash with a moose near Mile 2 of the Kenai Spur Highway. Investigation revealed that Patricia Summers Gordon, 45, of Soldotna, was driving southbound in a beige 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, when a moose ran into the side of her vehicle. A passenger in her vehicle reported minor injuries. Seat belt use was reported. Alcohol was not a factor. The moose was dispatched and recovered by a charity. The vehicle suffered disabling damage and was towed.
On Nov. 24, Kenai police attempted a traffic stop near Peninsula Avenue and Broad Street. Zachary L. Yandell, 34, of Kenai was arrested for first-degree felony eluding, driving while license suspended, violating conditions of release, and reckless endangerment (domestic violence related) and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.
On Nov. 24 at 9:15 p.m., Kenai police made contact with a wanted subject at Safeway. Lesli R. Richardson, 33, of Soldotna, was arrested on an Alaska State Troopers $250 failure to appear warrant on the original charge of driving while license revoked and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 23 at 12:37 a.m., Kenai police responded to a residence on Cohoe Avenue for a disturbance. After investigation, Austin B.Cronce, 21, of Kenai was arrested for violating conditions of release. Shayanne E. Waters, 24, of Soldotna, was charged with violation of custodian duties. Both were taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 22 at 12:58 a.m., Kenai police conducted a traffic stop and made contact with Ely C. Holmes, 31, of Kenai. Holmes was arrested for outstanding Soldotna Alaska State Troopers warrant for failure to appear for indictment on the original charge of failure to appear on a felony charge and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 21 at 12:10 a.m., Kenai police responded to a local business on South Spruce Street for reports of a suspicious subject. Joshua L. Thompson, 36, of Kenai was arrested for violating conditions of release and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 20, a local car rental company reported a vehicle overdue to the Kenai Police Department. The investigation began and a BOLO (be on the lookout) for the vehicle and suspect was issued. At 3:21 p.m. on Nov. 21, Alaska State Troopers contacted Cobrey A. Lewis, 27, of Anchor Point. Lewis was arrested for second-degree vehicle theft and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 20 at about 5:50 p.m., Kenai police responded to a local business near Mile 10 of the Kenai Spur Highway and contacted Jacob F. Moody, 27, of Sterling. A records check showed Moody had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for arraignment on the original charge of driving while license suspended. Moody was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 20 at 12:19 p.m., Kenai police responded to a local business on Main Street Loop. Diana P. Westover, 40, of Kenai was arrested for second-degree criminal trespass and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 18 at 1:04 a.m., Kenai police responded to a disturbance on Tinker Lane. Rosalie D. Perkins, 27, of Kenai, was arrested for fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 18 at 1:08 a.m., Kenai police arrested Tanya I. Korn, 29, of Kenai for violating conditions of release. Korn was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 18 at 4:05 p.m., at the request of the Probations Office, Kenai police transported Dustin Rediske, 24, of Kenai, to Wildwood Pretrial on a petition to revoke probation.
On Nov. 18 at 7:59 p.m., Kenai police arrested Luke J. Spiers, 27, of Kenai, on an Alaska State Troopers felony, no bail, failure to appear warrant on original charges of fourth-degree and fifth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance. Spiers was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 25 at 3:15 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to the area of Sandhill Crane Road in Soldotna, where, after a short game of hide-and-seek, Brittney Hope Mackey, 30, of Soldotna, was located and arrested on an outstanding warrant for violating conditions of release for a felony charge. Mackey was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.
On Nov. 24 at 4:45 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a property near Beaver Avenue in Nikiski for a trespassing issue. Investigation revealed that Michael Eugene Patow, Jr., 35, of Nikiski, was in contact with female, in violation of conditions of release in a prior fourth-degree assault case. Patow was arrested for violating conditions of release and taken to Wildwood Pretrial without bail.
On Nov. 25 at 3:51 p.m., Kenai police responded to a trespassing complaint at a local business. Darrien R. Walker, 21, of Kenai was arrested for second-degree criminal trespass and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.
On Nov. 25, Kenai police arrested William E. Knackstedt, 62, of Kenai for third-degree criminal mischief (domestic violence related), stemming from a reported break-in on Beaver Loop Road. Knackstedt was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 25, Kenai police arrested Cody Spradley, 34, of Kenai, for perjury, failure to register for sex offender registry, and violating conditions of release, stemming from an Office of Child Services report filed on Nov. 18. Spradley was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 26 at 9:24 p.m., Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on the Kenai Spur Highway at Mile 22. Leann Hoeldt, 36, of Nikiski, was found to be driving while her license was revoked and was issued a citation.
On Nov. 29 at 12:28 a.m., Alaska State Troopers traffic-stopped a white 1997 Ford pickup on McKinley Street in Kenai for an equipment and registration violation. Investigation revealed that Kyle, D. Neely, 29, of Kenai, displayed a fictitious registration on the vehicle. Neely was issued a misdemeanor citation for improper use of plates and released from the scene.
On Nov. 29 at 8:41 a.m., Alaska State Troopers observed Cole Harren, 43, of Seward, at the Seward Marketplace and knew from prior knowledge that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. A records check confirmed the outstanding warrant for failing to appear for a petition to revoke probation. Harren was arrested and taken to the Seward Jail on $1,000 bail.
On Nov. 29 at 6:58 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence on Jubilee Street in Soldotna for a welfare check. Investigation revealed that Brandon J. Cleveland, 32, of Soldotna, had placed a family member in imminent fear of physical injury. Cleveland was arrested for fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.
On Nov. 29 at 8:47 p.m., Alaska State Troopers contacted a suspicious vehicle in Kenai and identified the driver as Sidney Clark, 36, of Kenai. Clark had an outstanding $50 arrest warrant for failing to appear for a pretrial conference on the original charge of fourth-degree criminal mischief (domestic violence). Clark was arrested and was further found to be actively violating his conditions of release in that case by having contacted the victim, among other violations. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle, during the service of which Clark became extremely agitated and began damaging the interior of a State vehicle. The continuing investigation revealed Clark to be in possession of a controlled substance. Clark was taken to Wildwood Pretrial. Immediately after being booked, Clark began again contacting the victim, in violation of his conditions of release and arrest. Clark was remanded on the outstanding warrant and on the charges of violating conditions of release, two counts domestic violence first-degree unlawful contact, fourth-degree misconduct involving controlled substances, fifth-degree criminal mischief, tampering with or damaging a vehicle, resisting or interfering with arrest, and domestic violence second-degree unlawful contact.
On Nov. 29 at 7:12 p.m., Soldotna Dispatch received multiple reports of an aircraft crash near Jean Lake, west of Cooper Landing. Aircraft dispatched by RCC responded and located the crash site, but was unable to land due to weather and terrain. On Nov. 30 at about 2:30 p.m., the Department of Public Safety Helo 3, with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator onboard, conducted an overflight of the crash site but was unable to land in the area. The involved aircraft has been identified as a Piper PA31-350, operated by Security Aviation. There were believed to be three souls onboard. No survivors are expected. The Alaska Mountain Rescue Group is organizing a ground response to the crash site on Dec. 1.
On Dec. 1 at 3:02 a.m., Alaska State Troopers contacted a suspicious vehicle at a business in Kasilof. Investigation revealed that Taylor T. Thibodeaux, 23, of Anchorage, was operating his vehicle while he was impaired by alcohol. Thibodeaux was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.
On Nov. 30, Alaska Wildlife Troopers arrested and charged Cole Spooner, 32, of Soldotna, for failing to stop at the direction of a peace officer. Spooner was also issued a citation for speeding.
On Dec. 1 at 12:17 p.m., the Soldotna Alaska State Troopers K-9 Team came upon a single-vehicle collision while on patrol. Investigation revealed that Laura Carolyn-Toefui Archuleta, 19, of Kasilof, lost control of her blue 1999 Saturn-S and collided into the Kenai Spur Highway and Sport Lake intersection street sign. No injuries were reported, and Archuleta stated she was wearing a seat belt. Airbags were not deployed.
On Dec. 1 at 3:54 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a two-vehicle collision on Echo Lake Road and Helgeson Avenue in Soldotna. Investigation revealed that Trevor Kennedy, 35, of Soldotna, was driving his GMC pickup when he slid through the intersection and struck a Dodge Ram pickup that was on Echo lake Road. The Dodge pickup was driven by Edna Hagedorn, 29, of Soldotna. The Dodge went into the ditch and took out a row of mailboxes before coming to a stop. Both vehicles suffered major damage. No injuries were reported, and all occupants were wearing seat belts. Kennedy was issued a citation for basic speed.
COOPER LANDING AIRPLANE CRASH UPDATE: The crash site was reached on Dec. 1 and recovery efforts completed at about 3:00 p.m.. Remains have been removed from the site and will be transported to the State Medical Examiner in Anchorage for positive identification.
EARLIER REPORT: On Nov. 29 at 7:12 p.m., Soldotna Dispatch received multiple reports of an aircraft crash near Jean Lake, west of Cooper Landing. Aircraft dispatched by RCC responded and located the crash site, but was unable to land due to weather and terrain. On Nov. 30 at about 2:30 p.m., the Department of Public Safety Helo 3, with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator onboard, conducted an overflight of the crash site but was unable to land in the area. The involved aircraft has been identified as a Piper PA31-350, operated by Security Aviation. There were believed to be three souls onboard. No survivors are expected. The Alaska Mountain Rescue Group is organizing a ground response to the crash site on Dec. 1.
On Dec. 1 at 10:53 p.m., Alaska State Troopers stopped a blue Chevrolet pickup near Mile 13 of the Kenai Spur Highway for an equipment violation and for recognizing the driver as someone who repeatedly drives on a suspended/revoked driver’s license. The driver, Matthew Luke, 22, of Nikiski, was arrested for driving while license revoked and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.
On Dec. 1 at 12:54 a.m., Kenai police arrested William M. Strain, 40, of Kenai, on an $1,000 Alaska State Troopers warrant for failure to appear for omnibus hearing on the original charge of first-degree vehicle theft and a $100 troopers warrant for failure to appear for arraignment on original charges of driving while license revoked and no insurance. Additionally, Strain was arrested for driving while license revoked and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.
On Dec. 1 at 12:54 a.m., Kenai police conducted a traffic stop on the Kenai Spur Highway near the Three Bears store. Raven M. Staples, 40, of Kenai, was arrested for driving while license revoked and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Dec. 1 at 2:02 a.m., Kenai police responded to a report of an assault on Bluff Street. Clifton Etter, 52, of Kenai, was arrested for fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Dec. 1 at 1:19 p.m., Kenai police responded to a local business on a report of a disturbance. Jennifer B. Tunuchuk, 36, of Soldotna was arrested for fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and disorderly conduct and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 30 at 8:49 p.m., Kenai police responded to a local business near Mile 10.5 of the Kenai Spur Highway. After investigation, Amy E. Kyriss, 29, of Nikiski, was arrested on outstanding Soldotna Alaska State Troopers warrants for failure to appear for bail hearing on the original charge of first-degree vehicle theft and failure to appear for bail hearing on the original charge of petition to revoke probation. She was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 29 at 4:16 p.m., Kenai police responded to a local business near Mile 11 of the Kenai Spur Highway. After investigation, Joseph Chikoyak, 45, of Kenai, was arrested for violating conditions of release and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 29 at 9:02 p.m., Kenai police responded to a local business near South Willow Street and Barnacle Way. After investigation, Brian J. Ehlers, 40, of Kasilof, was arrested for felony driving under the influence and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 28 at about 11:10 a.m., Kenai police responded to the Kenai Airport and contacted James L. Helberg, 18, of Seward, who was arrested on outstanding Seward arrest warrants for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and tampering with physical evidence. He was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 27 at 1:06 a.m., Kenai police conducted a traffic stop in the area of the Kenai Spur Highway and Shotgun Drive. After investigation, Sydney M. Mack, 22, of Seward, was arrested for driving while license suspended and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 27 at 12:38 p.m., Kenai police responded to a local business on Trading Bay Road. After investigation, Derrick L. Hurd, 26, of Kenai was arrested for driving while license revoked and taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 27 at 2:39 p.m., Kenai police responded to the area of the Kenai Spur Highway and Marathon Road. After investigation, Joseph Chikoyak, Jr., 45, of Kenai, was arrested for third-degree theft and second-degree criminal trespass and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Nov. 26 at 12:18 a.m., Kenai police contacted an individual near a local business. After investigation, Diana P. Westover, 40, of Anchorage, was issued a summons for second-degree criminal trespass.
On Nov. 26 at 6:11 a.m., Kenai police responded to a local business near Mile 10 of the Kenai Spur Highway for a report of a male who was currently trespassing at the premises. Officers responded, and the confirmed male suspect had already fled the property. A Kenai officer contacted the suspect male later in the day, and Joseph Chikoyak, Jr., 45, of Kenai, was issued a summons for second-degree criminal trespass.
On Nov. 26 at 11:08 p.m., Kenai police had contact with a wanted subject at a local business. Jamie E. Doleman, 36, of Kenai, was arrested on an Alaska State Troopers $50 warrant on original charges of second-degree criminal trespass and fourth-degree theft and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial.
On Dec. 2 at 12:37 p.m., the Soldotna Alaska State Troopers K-9 Team responded to a report of a disturbance occurring in the middle of the Highway at Mackey Lake Road and Gibbons Drive. Upon arrival, investigation revealed that Willard J. Hutson was involved in an altercation with a family member. Hutson was arrested for fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and driving on a revoked operator’s license, revoked for the original charge of driving under the influence. Hutson was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.
On Dec. 3 at 4:48 a.m., Soldotna Alaska State Troopers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Soldotna. Investigation resulted in the arrest of Travis Hedlund , 42, of Soldotna, for fourth-degree assault. Hedlund was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail, pending arraignment.
