Parks Law Enforcement Reports
ATV Prohibited of Trail - ASP2409082
Location: Nancy Lake, AK
On November 1, 2024 a State Park Ranger contacted an individual who had ridden a 6x6 Polaris ATV on the public use cabin trail at Nancy Lake SRA. Heath Vlastnik age 37 of Eagle River was issued a citation for operating an ATV on a State Park trail where prohibited by regulation. Bail amount was set at $120
Motor Vehicle Accidents with Injuries - ASP22408761
Location: Willow, AK
On October 21, 2024 a State Park Ranger responded to mile 62 of the Parks Hwy. in Willow for a report of a rollover motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival to the scene, the driver and passenger were climbing out of the overturned vehicle and reported no injuries. Freezing rain and poor road conditions were a factor. While on scene, a second vehicle slid off of the highway and came to rest in the ditch. The driver of the second vehicle also reported no injuries. Prior to departing the scene, a head on motor vehicle accident was reported on Willow Fishhook Rd. The State Park Ranger and two State Troopers arrived on scene to find two SUV’s had collided head on and remained in the roadway. One driver was transported to Mat-Su Regional hospital by EMS with serious injuries while the other driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Freezing rain and poor road conditions were a factor. State Troopers assumed case responsibility and accident investigation.
Agency Assist/DUI/Leaving the scene of an Accident - ASP2408777
Location: Fairbanks, AK
On 10/20/24, at approximately 1527 hours, Alaska State Park Rangers located a red Jeep Liberty which was a suspect in a hit and run. The vehicle was found to have crashed into a tree line off of Farmers Loop Rd. in Fairbanks. Investigation revealed it was occupied by a single male occupant who had sustained injuries during the collision. An odor of alcohol and marijuana was present on the male suspect. The male was detained, and first aid was provided until Emergency medical services and the Alaska State Troopers arrived. Case responsibility was handed over to the Alaska State Troopers.
Suspended License/Uninsured Vehicle - ASP2408624
Location: Rocky Lake, AK
On October 17, 2024, a State Park Ranger contacted a vehicle and driver at Rocky Lake campground for a welfare check. Investigation revealed the driver, Megan Duncan, age 31 of Wasilla was driving with a suspended license. Duncan was issued citations for driving with a suspended license and no motor vehicle insurance.
REDDI/DUI Report - ASP2408396
Location: Talkeetna, AK
On 10/08/2024 at approximately 1400 hours, ASP Park Ranger received two separate REDDI (Report Every Dangerous Driver Immediately) reports for a vehicle traveling North on the Parks Hwy. ASP Ranger responded to the area of Montana Creek Bridge on the Parks Hwy. The vehicle was located at the driver’s residence. Investigation revealed that the driver, Ronald Hebert of Talkeetna was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Hebert was arrested for DUI and remanded to MatSu Pretrial.
Fishing Without a License - ASP2405796
Location: Willow Creek State Recreation Area, AK
On July 24, 2024 a State Park Ranger contacted David Gasperik, age 71 of California who was fishing at Willow Creek State Recreation Area. Investigation revealed that Mr. Gasperik was sport fishing without a fishing license. Mr. Gasperik was issued a citation for fishing without a fishing license with bail set at $220.
Traffic Violation - ASP2407883
Location: Big Lake, AK
On September 17, 2024 at approximately 0810 hours, a State Park Ranger conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driving over 80 mph in a posted 55 mph zone on Big Lake Rd. The driver, Elias Minnick, age 22 of Wasilla was issued a citation for speeding with bail set at $172.
Fishing Violation - ASP2407524 and ASP2407525
Location: Deception Creek, AK
On September 7th, 2024, the Alaska Park Ranger, cited Kelly Foltz, 28 YO of Anchorage, AK and Matthew Smith 39 YO of Anchorage, AK for fishing with bait and multiple hooks on Deception creek in Willow. Deception creek is closed year-round to the use of bait and multiple hooks. Bail is set for $120.00 per citation in Palmer Court.
Trespassing, Felony Warrant, Violation of Conditions of Release, Hindering Prosecution - ASP 2407148
Location: Captain Cook State Recreation Area, AK
On August 25, 2024, at approximately 1100 hours, State Park Rangers attempted to locate the owner of a suspicious vehicle parked at a gated access point at Captain Cook State Recreation Area. Upon investigation Rangers discovered two individuals illegally occupying a state park dwelling.
Jeffery Johansen, age 48 of Kenai, was wanted on an active Felony Warrant and remanded to Wildwood Pretrial and charged with trespassing in the first degree.
Melody Miller, age 38 of Soldotna, was remanded to Wildwood Pretrial and charged with trespassing in the first degree, Hindering Prosecution, and Violating Conditions of Release.
Illegal Guiding Case - ASP 2406073
Location: Kenai River Special Management Area, AK
An undercover investigation on August 2nd, 2024, by Alaska State Park Rangers uncovered evidence that Mr. Charles Maxwell of Soldotna was illegally providing guided fishing trips in the Kenai River Special Management Area (KRSMA) without a Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation permit. In addition, Mr. Maxwell allowed clients to retain several illegally caught salmon.
On August 16th, 2024, the following charges were filed by the Office of Special Prosecutions against Charles Maxwell: 2 counts of 5 AAC 75.075(h)(1): Sport Fishing Guide Aid in Violation of Law (Class A Misdemeanor) for allowing clients to retain snagged fish, and 1 count of 11AAC20.885(a): Unpermitted Kenai Guide Services (Misdemeanor - Not Classified) for not acquiring the proper permits for providing guide services in KRSMA.
For information on Alaska State Park permitting, visit https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/permit/index.htm
For information on sportfishing regulations in the Kenai River, visit Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Warrent Arrest - ASP 2406937
Location: Palmer, AK
On August 18th at approximately 0830 Rangers were investigating the occupation of multiple campsites by a single camper in Matanuska Lake State Recreation Area. During the investigation they were approached by an individual who took responsibility for the camp and agreed to pay the additional park fees for the second campsite. During the interview Rangers identified the individual as Lonnie Timmerman who had a Warrant for violation of conditions of release. Lonnie Timmerman was arrested and remanded at the Mat-Su Pre Trial Facility.
Warrent Arrest, MICS 5 - ASP 2406858
Location: Palmer, AK
On August 17th at approximately 1430 Rangers made contact with a an individual at the Gold Mint Parking Area. Rangers made contact to inquire about the lack of vehicle registration tabs and park payment receipt. During the investigation Rangers identified the individual as Tasha Vickers, who had a felony warrant out of Ketchikan for failure to appear on a Theft 2 charge. Vickers was arrested and remanded at the Mat-Su Pre Trial Facility. The subsequent investigation led to the discovery of Methamphetamine in Vickers purse. Vickers was additionally charged with misconduct involving a controlled substance in the 5th Degree. Rangers issued a summons to Vickers for her additional charge on August 18th.
Single Vehicle Accident - ASP 24006754
Location: Palmer, AK
On August 15th at approximately 1615 Rangers responded to a single vehicle rollover at mile 15 of the Palmer Fishhook Hwy. There were no injuries. Rangers assisted the vehicle owner in the recovery of the vehicle.
No PFD Device - ASP 2406752
Location: Willow Creek, AK
On 8/15/2024 at approximately 1:25pm State Park Ranger contacted Gaylen Schaugaard of Palmer on Willow creek within the Willow Creek State Recreation area for a routine boat safety check. Investigation revealed Mr. Schaugaard did not have a personal floatation device (PFD) for each party in the boat . A citation was issued for No PFD. Bail was set for $220 in the Palmer district court.
Fishing Violation - ASP 2406527
Location: Montana Creek, AK
On 8/9/2024 at approximately 4:00pm State Park Ranger contacted Michelle Harrison of South Carolina on Montana creek for a routine fishing license check. Investigation revealed Ms. Harrison was fishing with live bait during an Emergency Order (EO) that prohibited fishing with live bait. A citation was issued for violation of EO. Bail was set for $120 in the Palmer district court.
Fishing Violation - ASP 2406523
Location: Montana Creek, AK
On 8/9/2024 at approximately 4:00pm State Park Ranger contacted Paul Harrison of South Carolina on Montana creek for a routine fishing license check. Investigation revealed Mr. Harrison was fishing with multiple hooks is a single hook only area. A citation was issued for Multiple hooks in a single hook area. Bail was set for $70 in the Palmer district court.
No PFD Device - ASP 2406520
Location: Willow Creek, AK
On 8/8/2024 at approximately 4:50pm State Park Ranger contacted Camron Gordon of Talkeetna on Willow creek within the Willow Creek State Recreation area for a routine boat safety check. Investigation revealed Mr. Gordon did not have a personal floatation device (PFD) for each party in the boat . A citation was issued for No PFD. Bail was set for $120 in the Palmer district court.
No PFD Device - ASP 2406517
Location: Willow Creek, AK
On 8/8/2024 at approximately 4:30pm State Park Ranger contacted Eligah Avery of Montana on Willow creek within the Willow Creek State Recreation area for a routine boat safety check. Investigation revealed Mr. Avery did not have a personal floatation device (PFD) for each party in the boat . A citation was issued for No PFD. Bail was set for $120 in the Palmer district court.
Spotfishing Without a License - ASP2406193 and ASP2406194
Location: Byers Creek, AK
On 8/2/2024 at approximately 11:35am Denali State Park Ranger observed Kaitlin Alsip age 28 of Ohio and Dragan Janchovski age 22 of Macedonia sport fishing on Byers Creek within Denali State Park. Investigation revealed both parties were sportfishing without current State of Alaska sportfishing license. Each party was issued a citation for sportfishing without a license. Bail was set for $220 in the Palmer district court for each party.
Body Found - ASP2405437
Location: Kasilof, AK
On July 15, 2024 at 0900, Alaska State Park rangers responded to Johnson Lake State Recreation Area after an adult male was located deceased in a campground restroom. The man's body was sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy.
Agency Assist - ASP2405664
Location: Eagle River, AK
On July 21, 2024, at approximately 1922 hours, Alaska State Troopers requested assistance from State Park Rangers at the South Fork Eagle River Trail due to the likelihood of human injury after a group was reported to be traveling with an injured dog and unable to extricate it from the boulder field. The party kept in regular communication with the Ranger and were able to arrange help from friends and gather their own resources to successfully bring the dog back to the trailhead as the Ranger arrived with additional resources. As a reminder, boulder fields, rocky terrain and scree can be hazardous to dog paws and result in potential emergency situations. Travelers in the backcountry should be prepared to self-rescue not only themselves but four-legged friends.
MICS 3, MIW 4, and VCOR - ASP2405663
Location: Finger Lake, AK
On July 21, 2024, at approximately 1633 hours, an Alaska State Park Ranger on foot patrol at Finger Lake State Recreation Site was alerted to a vehicle containing two occupants slumped over. Investigation resulted in the arrest of Megan McDonald, age 33, for two counts of Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree and Violation of Conditions of Release and Jacob Vohs, age 35, for two counts of Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree, Misconduct Involving a Weapon in the 4th Degree and Violation of Conditions of Release.
Drug Investigation - ASP2405620
Location: Palmer, AK
On July 20, 2024, at approximately 1630 hours, an Alaska State Park Ranger responded to the report of a disturbance involving the occupants of a vehicle on Archangel Rd in Hatcher Pass. The vehicle was located at a local business. After no crime was reported by either party, the Ranger began investigating drug paraphernalia in plain view. Investigation continues and charges may be forthcoming.
Disorderly Conduct - ASP2404708
Location: Fairbanks, AK
On 07/04/24, at approximately 1120 hours, Alaska State Park Rangers contacted Katherine Mayo (age 53 of Kaltag) at the Chena River State Recreation Site. Mayo became hostile during the contact and based on the subsequent investigation was ultimately arrested for Disorderly Conduct and remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center.
Wildfire Response - ASP2404564
Location: Willow Creek, AK
On 6/29/2024 State Park Rangers were requested by the Alaska State Troopers to respond to a wildfire in the area of Montana Creek Road and South Dog Sled Drive and assist with possible evacuation and patrols of the area.
Search and Rescue - ASP2404566
Location: Willow Creek, AK
On 6/29/2024 State Park Rangers coordinated with Alaska Wildlife Troopers a SAR response for a report of 5 individuals who were on Willow Creek, two of which had flipped their kayaks and were in need of assistance. The State Park Rangers communicated with a good Samaritan river guide who had a jet boat and was able to safely retrieve two of the kayakers in need. The other three individuals were able to self-extricate safely. These SAR efforts ultimately resulted in a successful conclusion for all people involved.
Driving Under the Influence - ASP2404490
Location: Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, AK
On June 29, 2024 at approximately 0002 hours, a disturbance was reported at the campground at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area in which an intoxicated male was reported to be threatening to fight people after being asked to turn his music down by other campers. A State Park Ranger located the male fleeing the scene in a vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Investigation led to the arrest of the driver, Iapesa S. Fanolua, age 39 of Anchorage, for Driving Under the Influence. His BrAC measured 0.135 on Datamaster and he was remanded to MatSu Pretrial where he was later released on his own recognizance.
Search and Rescue - ASP2404516
Location: Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, AK
On June 29, 2024 at approximately 1439 hours, Alaska Wildlife Troopers were dispatched to the report of a male in the Matanuska Greenbelt trail system who had broken his ankle while mountain biking. A nearby State Park Ranger familiar with the area was requested and hiked in, locating the injured party. Alaska Wildlife Troopers and MatSu Borough EMS responded and assisted the patient out on foot and by four-wheeler. Alaska State Parks would like to thank the employees of the MatSu Borough Central Landfill for their assistance providing the most direct access to the patient.
Wildlife Incident - ASP2404371
Location: Eklutna Lake, AK
On 6/24/2024 at approx. 1230 hours State Park Rangers followed up with reports of two to three black bears in Eklutna Campground getting into campers tents, food and other gear. Bear deterrent measures (bean bag rounds) had previously been used on the bears by a State Park Ranger a few days prior. Upon arrival at Eklutna Campground the State Park Rangers were directed to a campsite that had two black bears in it, actively eating the camper’s food and getting into his gear. The State Park Rangers determined that the bears had become too habituated and were put down. The bears were donated and salvaged to charity via AF&G.
On 6/27/2024 State Park Rangers received another report of a black bear in the Eklutna Campground. The State Park Ranger responded and located the bear, he deployed three bean bag shotgun rounds on the bear, but the bear returned. The bear ultimately had to also be put down. The bear was additionally donated and salvaged to charity via ADF&G.
Alaska State Park Rangers would like to remind park visitors that all of Alaska is bear country. Please keep all food and scented items in a bear resistant container or hard-sided vehicle. Violators are subject to a $300 fine under 11 AAC12.230(j), Food accessible to bears, and/or a $300 fine under 5AAC 92.230(a)(1) Feeding game.Warrant Arrest - ASP2404119
Location: Harding Lake, AK
On June 19, 2024 at 0843, a State Park Ranger conducted a welfare check on a female adult who was slumped over the center console of a vehicle at Willow Creek campground. Investigation revealed that Misty Domanich, age 34 of Anchorage had a felony warrant for previous charges of Burglary 1 and Criminal Mischief 3. Domanich was arrested on her warrant and additionally charged with Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the 4th degree, a class C felony, for possession of fentanyl. Domanich’s boyfriend, Aaron Frick, age 32 of Anchorage was also contacted at Willow Creek and cited for fishing without a fishing license.
Warrant Arrest - ASP2404119
On June 19, 2024 at 0843, a State Park Ranger conducted a welfare check on a female adult who was slumped over the center console of a vehicle at Willow Creek campground. Investigation revealed that Misty Domanich, age 34 of Anchorage had a felony warrant for previous charges of Burglary 1 and Criminal Mischief 3. Domanich was arrested on her warrant and additionally charged with Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the 4th degree, a class C felony, for possession of fentanyl. Domanich’s boyfriend, Aaron Frick, age 32 of Anchorage was also contacted at Willow Creek and cited for fishing without a fishing license.
Burglary 1- ASP2404097
Location: Harding Lake, AK
On June 16, 2024, at approximately 0950 hours, Alaska State Park Rangers responded to 7445 Jamestown Court near Harding Lake State Recreation Area for a report of a burglary in progress. The property owners had received photos from a cellular powered trail cam showing three individuals breaking into structures on the property. Once on scene the Ranger detained 4 individuals. Shortly after, the Alaska State Troopers arrived on scene and took over the investigation. It was determined that there had been 2 tv’s, an ice auger, chainsaw, and several DVD’s taken from the property. One of the individuals Vladamir Kulikovskiy was arrested for Burglary 1 and was transported by the Ranger to Fairbanks Correctional Center where Kulikovskiy was remanded.
Warrant Arrest - ASP2404081
On June 16, 2024 at approximately 1023 hours, a State Park Ranger on foot patrol in Finger Lake Campground observed a male and female in various stages of undress in plain view occupying a reserved campsite. Investigation determined the occupants were not the holders of the reservation. The female initially provided false identification but was ultimately identified as 33-year-old Megan McDonald and remanded on her warrants for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Assault and Failure to Comply with Conditions of Release. Bail totaled $550. McDonald was additionally charged with False Information.
Warrant Arrest, Felony Elude, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Assault 3, and Assault 4 - ASP2403512
On June 13, 2024, at approximately 1335 hours Alaska State Park Rangers contacted a blue Sedan bearing AK plate JSX878 at the Chena River State Recreation site for a park violation. Upon contact one of the three occupants fled the scene. The male driver later identified as Joseph Marotta (age 24 of Soldotna) gave a false name and upon the Ranger attempting to detain him became combative attempting to strike the Ranger. A taser was deployed and the female passenger later identified as Mynah Hart (age 24 of Kenai) intervened and broke the Taser wires. Hart was tased because of her actions and the active threat she posed. The Ranger continued in a physical altercation with Marotta attempt to take him into custody and OC spray was deployed. During the altercation Hart took control of the vehicle and drove at the Ranger. The Ranger disengaged with Marotta and pulled their handgun at which point Hart veered away fleeing the area picking up Marotta who was now fleeing on foot. A vehicle pursuit was initiated, and the Alaska State Troopers were requested to assist. The vehicle Pursuit ended near the intersection of the Johansen Expressway and Steese Highway after the Alaska State Troopers PIT the vehicle. Both occupants fled on foot from the vehicle. After a short foot pursuit Rangers took Marotta into custody. During this time, the Alaska State Troopers took Hart into custody. Investigation revealed Marotta had three outstanding 10,000 felony arrest warrants. Marotta was remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center on the charges of Assault 4, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct. Hart was remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center on the charges of Assault 3, Resisting/Interfering with an arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Felony Elude. Alaska State Parks would like to thank the Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks PD, and UAF PD for their assistance with this case.
Author: WDD0
Author: WDD0
Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance - ASP2403512
On May 26, 2024, at approximately 1411 hours, Alaska State Park Rangers contacted Christopher Boster (age 36 of Fairbanks) in the Chena River Recreation Site in Fairbanks. Investigation revealed Boster was in possession of methamphetamine. Boster was subsequently arrested and remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center on a charge of MICS 5.
Author: WDD0
Protective Custody - ASP2403318
On May 18, 2024 at approximately 1310 hours, Northern Region State Park Rangers responded to a local Fairbanks Hotel for the report of an intoxicated male threatening to fight people. Upon arrival Rangers contacted a 62yoa male who threatened to fight them. The male was detained and a PBT revealed a BrAC of .187. The male was transported to Fairbanks Correctional Center and placed into protective custody to be released once sober.
Warrant Arrest - ASP240311
On May 18, 2024, at approximately 0900 hours, Alaska State Park Rangers located Gabriel Luke Harrison at the Chena River State Recreation Site in Fairbanks and arrested him for an outstanding no bail arrest warrant. The arrest warrant was for failing to report to jail for an assault charge. Harrison was remanded at Fairbanks Correctional Center where he will be required to serve out his sentence.
Warrant Arrest - ASP2403312
On May 18, 2024, at approximately 1000 hours, Alaska State Park Rangers located Robert Corey Inglis at the Chena River State Recreation Site in Fairbanks and arrested him for an outstanding $750 arrest warrant. The arrest warrant was for failure to appear for arraignment original charges Driving with a Canceled/Suspended/Revoked License and Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance. Tapley was remanded at Fairbanks Correctional Center.
Chena Pump Wayside Failure to Pay Fees - ASP2403125
On May 11, 2024 at approximately 0938 hours, Alaska State Park Rangers in Fairbanks contacted a suspicious vehicle at the Chena Pump Wayside for failure to pay day use fees. The driver was identified as Jacquelyn Ballenger (age 63 of Anchorage). Investigation revealed Ballenger was driving a vehicle which was not registered to her and had placed a plate on the vehicle which did not belong to it. The plate was removed from the vehicle and seized. Based on the subsequent investigation Ballenger was issued a misdemeanor citation for Misuse of Plates, as well as a citation for Failure to Pay Fees.
At-Risk Individual Found - ASP2402946
On May 5, 2024 at 1400 hours while a Chugach State Park Ranger was patrolling the Seward Highway, the Anchorage Police Department put out a BOLO for a vehicle driven by a suicidal individual headed to Seward. At 1408 hours the Ranger observed the vehicle near mile 108 and began following it. Shortly thereafter the individual pulled into the falls creek trailhead and began hiking. Two Anchorage Police officers and the Ranger were able to contact the individual on the trail and take her into custody for mental health treatment.
Chena Pump Wayside Misuse of License Plates - ASP2403125
On May 11, 2024 at approximately 0938 hours, Alaska State Park Rangers in Fairbanks contacted a suspicious vehicle at the Chena Pump Wayside for failure to pay day use fees. The driver was identified as Jacquelyn Ballenger (age 63 of Anchorage). Investigation revealed Ballenger was driving a vehicle which was not registered to her and had placed a plate on the vehicle which did not belong to it. The plate was removed from the vehicle and seized. Based on the subsequent investigation Ballenger was issued a misdemeanor citation for Misuse of Plates, as well as a citation for Failure to Pay Fees.
Montana Creek Felony Arrest - ASP2402702
On April 26, 2024 at 1700 hours, AST and a State Parks Ranger responded to the Montana Creek subdivision near Talkeetna for the report of a trespassing male, Mitchell Drover age 29 of Talkeetna, who had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest. Upon contact, Drover resisted arrest and was eventually taken into custody after being tased and O/C sprayed. After being medically treated at a hospital, he was remanded into custody at the MSPT facility in Palmer.
Ref AST case# AK24038744
