Trooper Report Week of August 22, 2021

Location: Ketchikan

Type: MICS 3; MIW 2; MIW 3

Dispatch Text:

On 08/21/2021, at approximately 1147 hours, a boarding team with the United States Coast Guard in Ketchikan contacted AST to request that a Trooper K9 team respond to the Thomas Basin harbor in Ketchikan for a canine sniff of the commercial fishing vessel Brown Sugar, which was being operated by the owner, and sole occupant James Vandebunte, age 58 of Wrangell. The USCG boarding team had discovered illegal drug paraphernalia during a boarding of the vessel and brought the vessel to the harbor for further investigation. AST obtained a search warrant prior to searching the vessel.  Among other drug items seized were 180 net grams of suspected methamphetamine, multiple zip top plastic baggies, digital scales, and a loaded 357 caliber pistol. Vandebunte (a convicted felon) was arrested for Misconduct involving a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Misconduct involving Weapons in the Second Degree, and Misconduct involving Weapons in the Third Degree. Investigation by Alaska State Troopers continues

Location: Ketchikan

Type: SAR

Dispatch Text:

On 8/22/21 at 1025 hours, the Alaska State Troopers in Ketchikan were notified by the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) of someone calling for help in the mountainous upper elevations northwest of Northbird Peak.  Another hiker was on the Deer Mountain trail and heard someone in the distance yelling for help.  He could see that the stranded hiker was on a pinnacle that was surrounded by sheer cliffs and he called KVRS. The Good Samaritan hiker stated to Alaska State Troopers in a phone interview that he could see the male with binoculars about 500 yards east of his location but due to extreme steep terrain he could not reach him.  KVRS responded via Temsco helicopter and located Stephen Sumrall, age 50 of Ketchikan, at an elevation of about 2000 feet.  Sumralll was flown back to Ketchikan and arrived at 1200 hours and reported no injuries.  At 1230 hours, all searchers had returned from the field. 

Location: Prince of Wales

Type: DV Assault 4

Dispatch Text:

On 08/25/2021 at approximately 1903 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a DV assault near Hydaburg between 47 year old Gerald Peele of Hydaburg and a family member. Investigation revealed Gerald placed the family member in fear for her life. Gerald was arrested for DV assault 4 and remanded to Craig jail.