Seward man indicted for alleged drunken assault of landlords

A man accused of attacking his former landlords in a drunken fit was indicted in a Seward court last week for felony assault. John Michael Luedecke, 44, allegedly assaulted a man and women in their home on Oct. 7 after the couple evicted him from their rental apartment.

Luedecke, who had been staying in the apartment for about a year, told police he had packed up and moved out on Oct. 6, according to a police affidavit filed with the court. The former landlady told police that she found Luedecke sleeping in the apartment without permission the morning after he moved out, and that the two of them had gotten into a heated exchange.

She called police later that afternoon to report a fight between Luedecke and her husband at their home, according to the affidavit.

The couple and a witness told police that a drunken Luedecke had become verbally abusive and violent when he was told to leave the home. During an ensuing altercation, Luedecke allegedly charged and punched his former landlord. The couple told police that the blow knocked the man back into his wife, and the two fell onto a hardwood floor. Both reported pain from the fall, and the woman’s pelvis was later shown to be fractured in several places, according to the affidavit.

The former landlord told police that as the fight continued he was almost overpowered by Luedecke, but was able to grab an anchor chain from his porch and club Luedecke with it, according to the affidavit.

Police reported that when they arrived at the scene they found “a highly intoxicated and hostile” Luedecke restrained on the porch. Luedecke registered a blood alcohol level of .373 at a local emergency room, the affidavit states.

Luedecke was indicted on Feb. 14 on one charge of second-degree assault, a class B felony, and issued a summons to appear before the court. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 27.

Reach Erin Thompson at erin.thompson@peninsulaclarion.com

More in News

Students of Sterling Elementary School carry a sign in support of their school during a special meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
District adopts budget with severe cuts, school closures

The preliminary budget assumes a $680 increase in per-student funding from the state.

A vote board shows a veto override attempt Tuesday by the Alaska Legislature on a $1,000 increase to per-student education funding falling short of the necessary two-thirds majority with a 33-27 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Senate adds $700 BSA hike to school phone policy bill a day after veto override on $1,000 increase fails

Lawmakers say quick floor vote by Senate, concurrence by House may set up another override session.

The Soldotna Public Library is seen on a snowy Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna library advisory board hears update on federal funding cuts

The federal government’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services could cause the reduction or elimination of some statewide library services as soon as July 1.

Protestors stand with an American flag and a sign that reads “DEFUND HATE” on Saturday, April 19 at WKFL Park during the “Sustained Resistence, Makes a Difference” Rally. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
More than 600 gather in Homer for ‘Sustained Resistance, Makes a Difference’ rally

It was at least the third time this year the Homer community gathered to protest the Trump administration.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in support overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 69 at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Legislature upholds governor’s veto of increased school funding

The governor last week said he vetoed House Bill 69 because it didn’t include any policy changes and because of the state’s “deteriorated” revenue outlook.

Kenai Central High School’s Kyle Foster speaks during the 35th Annual Caring for the Kenai Oral Presentations at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward freshman wins 35th Caring for the Kenai with thermal asphalt proposal

Twelve finalists were chosen in this year’s competition.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska) speaks to reporters about his decision to veto an education funding bill at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy’s veto of education funding bill puts pressure on lawmakers during final month of session

Governor also previews new bill with $560 BSA increase, plus additional funds for policy initiatives.

Brent Johnson speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Assembly kills resolution asking for option to cap property assessment increases

Alaska municipalities are required by state statute to assess all properties at their full and true value.

City of Kenai Public Works Director Scott Curtain; City of Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel; Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche; Sen. Lisa Murkowski; Col. Jeffrey Palazzini; Elaina Spraker; Adam Trombley; and Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank cut the ribbon to celebrate the start of work on the Kenai River Bluff Stabilization Project in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, June 10, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai bluff stabilization info meeting rescheduled for April 30

Originally, the event was scheduled for the same time as the Caring for the Kenai final presentations.

Most Read