A man wanted in connection with a shooting and house fire in Funny River remains at large, the Alaska State Troopers said Monday, though a vehicle associated with him has been located
Ronald Beyering, 62, of Soldotna, was seen last month leaving the property of a residence fully engulfed in flames. Troopers responded to the scene after the occupants called 9-1-1 and said that Beyering was shooting at them and that their home was on fire. Both occupants fled to a neighboring area, where they were located by troopers.
Beyering has remained at large since the fire and shooting, which occurred at about 11:58 p.m. on Oct. 15. Troopers said Monday that Beyering’s vehicle, a 2008 Ford expedition, was located off of Funny River Road after a citizen reported seeing the vehicle.
“Troopers continue to follow up on any leads as they come in,” a dispatch from the Alaska Bureau of Investigation says. “Alaska State Troopers appreciate the public’s continued assistance with this case.”
Alaska State Trooper Sgt. Joseph Miller wrote in an affidavit accompanying charging documents that troopers found a burned fuel can on the ground near the residence. That’s in addition to a burn pattern leading from the fuel can to two heating oil drums that were used to fuel the home’s heating system.
Miller wrote that both callers, when located by troopers, said they believed Beyering to be upset about a dispute involving firewood. The couple said they have known Beyering — one for about five months and the other for about 20 years — and that Beyering briefly lived at the residence with them.
Beyering is facing eight charges related to the incident, according to the Alaska Court System, including two counts of attempted murder in the first degree, arson in the first degree, criminal mischief in the first degree, criminal trespass in the first degree, misconduct involving weapons in the second degree, misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree and violating conditions of release.
Beyering is described as being 5 feet, 9 inches tall and about 140 pounds with light blond hair and blue eyes. He is described as armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees Beyering should not approach him and should immediately call the Soldotna Dispatch Center at 907-262-4453 or 9-1-1.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
