Public safety briefs for Jan. 5, 2020

Read the latest reports.

Public safety briefs for Jan. 5, 2020

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 Dec. 28 at 12:03 a.m., Alaska State Troopers Dispatch received a report of a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) vehicle on Kalifornsky Beach Road. Troopers contacted the vehicle driving near Mile 15 of Kalifornsky Beach Road and conducted a traffic stop. Michael Atkins, 50, of Kenai, who was found to be driving while under the influence of alcohol and was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility. On Dec. 27 at 10:36 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to Mile 115 of the Sterling Highway in Kasilof for a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) report. Investigation revealed that David Shell, 47, of Kasilof, had been driving while impaired by alcohol and that his license was revoked, with 15 prior convictions, making this a misdemeanor. Shell was arrested for driving under the influence and driving while license revoked and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial on $1,000 bail.

On Dec. 28 at 1:03 p.m., Soldotna Alaska State Troopers was conducting regular patrol on Sandhill Crane Road when Lori Larue, 54, of Kasilof, was contacted. Investigation revealed that Larue had an outstanding warrant for her arrest from 2014. She was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

On Dec. 24 at 1:46 a.m., Alaska StateTroopers received a report of a female causing a disturbance at an address on Portlock Drive in Homer. Investigation led to the arrest of Robin Hicks, 40, of Homer, for trespassing. Further investigation showed that Hicks was on conditions of release for a separate criminal case. Hicks was taken to the Homer Jail, pending arraignment.

On Dec. 29 at 6:37 p.m., the Soldotna Alaska State Troopers K-9 Team responded to a report of a domestic disturbance occurring in a vehicle on the side of the Kenai Spur Highway, near Mile 18. Investigation revealed that Derek R. Ludington, 50, of Nikiski, was involved in a physical altercation with a female. Ludington was charged with fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and fourth-degree criminal mischief (domestic violence) after causing more than $250 in damages to the vehicle they were in.

On Dec. 30 at 4:14 a.m., Soldotna Alaska State Troopers stopped a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Gas Well Road near Helgeson Avenue, after recognizing the driver as Frank Marotta, 44, of Soldotna, who is known to not have a valid driver’s license. Marotta was issued misdemeanor citations for driving while license suspended and no liability insurance. He was additionally issued a minor offense citation for operating a vehicle with expired registration.

On Dec. 29 at about 1:10 p.m., Alaska State Troopers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at Mile 133 of the Sterling Highway. During the stop, Zoe Rivera, 18, of Eagle River, was found to be in possession of marijuana. Rivera was given a summons to appear in court and released.

On Dec. 30 at about 8:40 p.m., the Soldotna Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call reporting that an individual was shooting a firearm in a residential area in Seward. Seward-based Alaska State Troopers and Seward Police Department responded to the residence and contacted Todd Curtis, 51, of Seward. Investigation revealed that Curtis was shooting in the direction of residences while he was under the influence of alcohol. Curtis was arrested and taken to the Seward Jail on one count of second-degree weapons misconduct and two counts of fourth-degree weapons misconduct. Stoney Creek residents are encouraged to report any gunfire related damage to their homes to Alaska State Troopers at 262-4453. Reference case AK19093261.

On May 27 at 8:46 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received a report that human remains had been located in an area off the Seward Highway, near the Hope Cut-off. The remains were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office to determine the identity and autopsy. In early December, the deceased was identified through dental record comparisons as Shirley Skeek, 28, of Anchorage. Skeek had been reported missing to the Anchorage Police Department Jan. 2, 2019. Troopers received an autopsy report for the State Medical Examiner’s office in late December, indicating that Skeek’s death was the result of a homicide. Skeek’s next of kin has been notified. Investigation into the circumstances of Skeek’s death are under investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation. Anyone with information regarding Skeek, her disappearance, or her death is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers at 907-269-5611. Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers at (907) 561-7867 or online via http://www.anchoragecrimestoppers.com.

On Dec. 30 at 7:54 a.m., Alaska State responded to a residence the Kasilof area. Investigation revealed that someone had broken into and burglarized the residence. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Alaska State Troopers at (907) 262-4453.

On Dec. 30, Alaska State Troopers received a report of rolling disturbance headed from Homer to Soldotna. The vehicle was stopped in the Soldotna area and the driver identified as Kenneth Mack, 40, from King Cove. Investigation revealed that on Dec. 27, in the Homer area, Kenneth Mack assaulted another individual by strangulation and punching the individual multiple times. Mack broke a cell phone and interfered with the domestic violence report. Mack was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

On Dec. 30 at about 10:40 a.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a residence off Tustumena Lake Road in Kasilof. While at the residence, Brittney Mackey, 30, of Soldotna, was contacted. Investigation revealed that Mackey was wanted for an outstanding warrant for violating conditions of release. Mackey was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial on $5,000 bail.

On Dec. 22 at 6:17 p.m., Soldotna police responded to Fred Meyer store for a shoplifter. Amber L. Erickson, 33, of Nikiski, had removed $824.97 worth of store merchandise without payment. She was arrested for second-degree theft and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

On Dec. 23 at about 3:00 p.m., Soldotna police responded to Fred Meyer store for a shoplifter. Louis J. Redmon, 18, of Sterling, was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial for third-degree theft after he removed $686 worth of merchandise from the store without payment.

On Jan. 1 at 1:42 a.m., Soldotna Alaska State Troopers responded to a domestic disturbance in the Sterling area. Investigation resulted in the arrest of Wasilie Bobby, 36, of Sterling. Bobby was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail, pending arraignment, on four counts of fourth-degree assault, one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief, and one count of interfering with the report of a domestic violence crime.

On Jan. 1 at 2:47 a.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a disturbance in Kasilof. Investigation revealed that Leona Silook, 41, of Kasilof, had assaulted a individual at the residence. She was arrested for third-degree assault, fifth-degree criminal mischief, and violating conditions of release and was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility. Alcohol was factor.

On Jan. 1 at 8:24 a.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a reported assault in the Kenai area. During the investigation, troopers contacted Ryan Simpson, 22, of Kenai, who had fled into the woods near the residence. Investigation revealed that Simpson was intoxicated, which was a violation of his release conditions from a prior case. Simpson was taken to Wildwood Pretrial without bail.

On Jan. 1 at about 2:30 p.m., Alaska State Troopers responded to a domestic disturbance at a Soldotna residence. Investigation revealed that Curtis Waterbury, 44, of Soldotna, had assaulted a family member. Waterbury was taken to Wildwood Pretrial without bail.

On Dec. 29 at 10:44 a.m., Alaska State Troopers received a report of a motor vehicle collision on the Sterling Highway near Self Street in Sterling. Troopers responded to the scene and contacted the occupants of the vehicles. Investigation revealed that Phillip Warren, 57, of Sterling, attempted to pass another vehicle and, while doing so, hit an oncoming vehicle, driven by James Barkei, 46, of Anchorage. Warren was issued a citation for failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision. The drivers did not report any injuries, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.

On Jan. 1 at 10:03 p.m., the Soldotna Alaska State Troopers K-9 Team responded to a report of a vehicle that had driven into the ditch near Mile 91 of the Sterling Highway. Upon arrival, a male later identified as John A. H. McCord, 22, was seated in the driver’s seat and was peeling-out, attempting to get the vehicle unstuck from the snow. Investigation revealed that McCord was driving under the influence. A records check revealed that McCord has a revoked operator’s license for the original charge of driving under the influence and is on conditions of release out of Kodiak, which state that he is not to consume alcohol and is to obey all laws. McCord was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to the Soldotna troopers post for Datamaster processing, then taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail on charges of driving under the influence, driving while license revoked, and violating conditions of release.

On Jan. 1 at 10:28 a.m., Kenai police responded to a residence on Davidson Drive for reports of a disturbance. After investigation, David W. Victoroff, 19, of Kenai, and Randee J. Johnson, 19, of Kenai, were arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

On Dec. 31 at 9:17 a.m., Kenai police responded to a local business for a female who had warrants. Amanda M. Kivi, 31, of Nikiski, was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial for an Alaska State Troopers $1,000 felony failure to appear for arraignment warrant on original charges of first-degree hindering prosecution, fifth-degree misconduct involving a weapon, and an Alaska State Troopers warrant for failure to appear for arraignment on the original charge of petition to revoke probation.

On Dec. 31 at 3:01 p.m., Kenai police conducted a traffic stop on the Kenai Spur Highway near Spruce Street. Richard L. Stauss, 30, of Kenai, was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial for a $100 Alaska State Troopers warrant for failure to appear for pretrial conference warrant on the original charge of fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance.

On Dec. 30 at 6:55 p.m., Kenai police conducted a traffic stop on Bridge Access Road near Tern Avenue. Richard Carattini, Jr., 25, of Kenai, was issued a summons for driving while license cancelled.

On Jan. 2 at 2:16 a.m., Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on Browns Lake Road in Soldotna. Investigation revealed that Dominic Allen, 41, of Funny River, had a suspended license and that he had 19 prior convictions for driving while license suspended, revoked or cancelled, making this a misdemeanor. He also had no insurance for the vehicle and was in violation of his conditions of release. Allen was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail.

On Jan. 2 at 5:23 p.m., Alaska State Troopers received a REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) complaint involving a Jeep Grand Cherokee at Short Stop on Kalifornsky Beach in Soldotna. Troopers contacted the vehicle at Short Stop, and investigation revealed that Jodi Bellows, 47, of Nikiski, had operated the vehicle while impaired by a controlled substance. Further investigation found three grams of methamphetamine and nearly one gram of heroin. Bellows was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, third-degree misconduct involving controlled substances, and two counts of fourth-degree misconduct involving controlled substances. A passenger, Anthony Landford, 30, of Nikiski, was also arrested and charged with two counts of fifth-degree misconduct involving controlled substances. Both were taken to Wildwood Pretrial. Bellows was remanded without bail. Landford was later released on his own recognizance.

On Jan. 2 at 10:37 p.m., Alaska State Troopers conducted a traffic stop on Dividend Road in Nikiski. Investigation revealed that Laura Little, 26, of Nikiski, had a suspended license and that she had two prior convictions for driving while license suspended, revoked or cancelled, making this a misdemeanor. Little was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial, where she was released on her own recognizance.

More in News

Hunter Kirby holds up the hatchery king salmon he bagged during the one-day youth fishery on the Ninilchik River on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 in Ninilchik, Alaska. Photo by Mike Booz
Ninilchik River closed to sport fishing

The closure is in effect from June 23 through July 15.

Señor Panchos in Soldotna, Alaska, is closed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna restaurant owner remains in ICE custody; federal charges dropped

Francisco Rodriguez-Rincon was accused of being in the country illegally and falsely claiming citizenship on a driver’s license application.

Brent Johnson speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Borough to provide maximum funding for school district

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will receive less money from the state this year than it did last year.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Pool manager and swim coach Will Hubler leads a treading water exercise at Kenai Central High School on Tuesday.
Pools, theaters, libraries in jeopardy as cuts loom

The district issued “notices of non-retention” to all its pool managers, library aides and theater technicians.

A sockeye salmon is pictured in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Fishing slow on Russian River, improving on Kenai

Northern Kenai fishing report for Tuesday, June 17.

Josiah Kelly, right, appears for a superior court arraignment at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Anchor Point man accepts plea deal for November shootings

Buildings operated by a local health clinic and an addiction recovery nonprofit were targeted.

A demonstrator holds up a sign during the “No Kings” protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Homer hits the streets to say ‘No Kings’

Around 700 gathered locally as part of a nationwide protest.

Brooklyn Coleman, right, staffs The Squeeze Squad lemonade stand during Lemonade Day in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kids learn business skills at annual Lemonade Day

Around 40 stands were strewn around Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Sterling for the event.

Planes are showcased at the Kenai Air Fair in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai fair shows off aircraft of all kinds

Cargo planes to helicopters were on display Saturday.

Most Read