Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Troopers cite Juneau salmon gillnetter

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 12/30/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Zachary M. Worrell, 29, of Juneau, for operating a commercial gillnet in closed waters. The charge stems from a July 2013 commercial salmon fishery in District 15C north of Juneau in which Worrell was observed by state aircraft operating a gillnet within 500 yards of the mouth of Bessie Creek. Regulations prohibit commercial fishing with 500 yards of any salmon steam. The anadromous stream catalog published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game says Bessie Creek, located within Yankee Cove, supports chum, coho and pink salmon. Arraignment set for 2/19/14 in Juneau District Court.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Suspicious activity, Dec. 17 — Officer received information regarding several fraudulent sales of high-dollar items in the community. Under investigation.

Environmental, Dec. 18 — Caller reported high winds caused damage to three vehicles and a boat.

Animal, Dec. 18 — Caller reported an eagle trapped inside a local store. Officers responded and assisted Alaska State Troopers in removing the eagle after it caused about $387.37 of damage inside the store.

Assistance rendered, Dec. 20, 0158 hours — Officer contacted a drunk, exhausted by his walk from the bar to his boat, who was "resting" on his back on a sidewalk. The officer advised the drunk of the dangers inherent in sleeping so close to the roadway.

Criminal mischief, Dec. 20 — A man whose vehicle had been torched almost a year earlier reported that his new truck, parked in a similar location, had a shattered windshield. Under investigation.

Assault, Dec. 21 — Bar staff reported a patron, who had in months previous walked out on a hundred-or-so-dollar bar tab, had been rude, aggressive and threatening when told that he needed to show cash upfront prior to purchasing any drinks this night. The suspect advised police that staff had "disrespected" him. Charges pending.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Dungeness crabber charged, pots seized

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed season
On 12/6/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers aboard the P/V Enforcer inspected commercial Dungeness crab gear in Ushk Bay. Investigation revealed Daniel Ellingsen, 65, of Sitka, permit holder on the F/V Summer Girl, was operating baited pots after the commercial season had closed on 11/30/13. On 12/13/13 Ellingsen was issued a citation charging him with operating commercial Dungeness gear during a closed season. Nineteen pots were seized. Arraignment set for Sitka District Court.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Case against Seward fisherman dismissed

A misdemeanor charge against Andrew Mezirow, 49, of Seward, has been dropped.

Authorities in June accused Mezirow of unlawfully retaining big skate as bycatch after a cutoff date.

The Alaska Court System's online information system indicates the prosecutor dismissed the charge on 10/24/13. The case is now closed.

Mezirow told The Brig the charge stemmed from a cannery worker misidentifying a longnose skate as a big skate.

"I am pleased to be completely vindicated of any wrongdoing in the case," Mezirow said.