Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assistance rendered, Feb. 2 — Taxi driver reported a passenger had passed out in her taxi. By the time an officer arrived, a friend had paid the inebriate's fare and was helping him onto the vessel.

Suspicious activity, Feb. 2 — Caller reported hearing loud explosions near her residence. Officers determined the explosions were in fact fireworks being ignited by an avid Seahawks fan. The fan was advised to cease those particular revelries.

Drunk disturbance, Feb. 2 — Officers responded to a vessel upon which an intoxicated man was allegedly threatening violence. Officers found the suspect already packing his belongings and anxious to be off the vessel from which he had just been fired.

Assault, Feb. 6 — The only three patrons of a bar got into a fight and then ran in multiple directions when police arrived. All three men were eventually apprehended after the last one ran around the processing area before unsuccessfully hiding under a car. None of those involved wished to pursue charges.

Suspicious activity, Feb. 6 — Officer observed black sludge leaking from a barrel in which a fire was contained. Further investigation revealed a business employee was burning fiberglass and oil-soaked rags, per normal business practice, in the barrel. The fire was eventually extinguished after a fire officer arrived on scene and instructed the employee in proper fire management techniques. Citation pending for unlawful disposal of hazardous waste.

Public safety, Feb. 7, 1138 hours — Category 1 travel advisory issued for high winds after the National Weather Service issued a high-wind advisory.

Environmental, Feb. 7, 1411 hours — Remnants of a World War II-era building near the airport blew off and struck several vehicles parked in the adjacent lot. Several vehicles sustained damage; one was totaled. Alaska Department of Transportation employees helped move fallen debris from the area.

Roads, Feb. 7, 1417 hours — A school zone sign, still flashing, was blown into the roadway. Public Works was notified.

Roads, Feb. 7, 1659 hours — Caller reported 2x4s flying across Ballyhoo Road. A harbor officer secured the debris.

Ambulance request, Feb. 7, 1815 hours — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a woman who had hit her head after being blown over by high winds.

Roads, Feb. 8, 1237 hours — High wind and waves washed out a section of sea wall, scattering rocks and other debris upon the roadway. Public Works was notified.

Ambulance request, Feb. 8, 1459 hours — EMS assistance was requested for the crew of a vessel that had been struck by a large wave. The captain of the vessel advised a short time later that medical attention was unnecessary.

Assistance rendered, Feb. 8, 1507 hours — Officer contacted the captain of a wind- and wave-damaged vessel and confirmed they had no need of assistance.

Environmental, Feb. 8, 1649 hours — A wind-blown container van struck a tsunami siren, breaking the battery box for the siren.

Drunk disturbance, Feb. 8 — Officer observed what appeared to be a fight in progress outside the bar. The involved parties said they were simply engaging in an activity they termed "sack tapping," apparently normal behavior for members of their boat crew. The officer advised the men it might be more appropriate to engage in said behavior in a less public venue.

DUI, Feb. 8 — Two intoxicated men drove to Unalaska Department of Public Safety to bail out a buddy. The drunks were uncooperative with officers, and witnesses were unable to identify which of the two men, both legally intoxicated, had driven the vehicle. No charges were filed.