Any charges reported in this press release are merely accusations
and the Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
10/22/18
Stop & FI – An Officer spoke to a motorist while on patrol on Dump Road.
Bear Incident – A bear cub was struck by a motorist on Dayville Road and expired before the Animal Control Officer could make it on scene.
Public Service – A presentation by VPD was given to the US Coast Guard regarding winter driving tips and tricks. Mostly, it was about driving defensively and slowing down when road conditions warranted slower speeds.
Animal Information – The Community Safety Officer made contact with a woman at Safeway selling puppies and provided information to her regarding kennel rules and regulations per Valdez Municipal Code.
Animal at Large – A black sleek-looking dog was reported running at large on Airport Road. The Animal Control Officer was unable to locate any dogs in the area.
Agency Assist – VPD attended a Valdez City Schools School Board meeting.
Public Service – The Community Safety Officer gave a tour of the Animal Shelter to Gilson Middle School students.
Rabbit Issues – VPD dispatch received a complaint about a man wearing a bright orange vest trying to shoot rabbits with a bow and arrow on the park strip near Bremner and Alatna Street. Officers were unable to locate anyone matching that description in the area.
Suspicious Activity – A man was reported knocking very aggressively and trying to enter a caller’s residence. Officers responded and found no one in the area.
10/23/18
Stop & FI – A citizen flagged down an Officer to let them know they spotted an open door at a local business.
Open Door – An Officer responded to a local business after he received a tip from a concerned citizen the door was open. The Officer found the door open but nothing damaged or obviously missing inside the business. The Officer secured the building.
Abandoned Vehicle – Officers located an abandoned vehicle in Alpine Woods and made arrangements for its removal.
Hazmat – A man trying to keep warm was burning wet cottonwood which conveyed a very stinky smell which alarmed many of his neighbors. The fumes, while pungent, were found not to be hazardous.
Abandoned Vehicle – A vehicle was reported in an alley way for a few days. An Officer made contact with the owner who admitted they knew it was there and were waiting for the tow company to tow it. The vehicle was later removed from the area.
Information – A window screen was removed from a residence. Nothing appeared stolen from the residence, however the caller wanted it documented as information at this point.
Citizen Contact – An Officer stopped by the local business who had their door open the night before to apprise them of the situation.
10/24/18
Arrest Warrant – Arrested Misty L Phillips, DOB 3/18/74, of Valdez for an arrest warrant for Violating Conditions of Release. Her original charges were for 2 counts of Assault 4, Resisting or Interfering with an Arrest, and for Disorderly Conduct.
Wood Cutting – A caller reported that two individuals were cutting wood at MP 6 Richardson Highway. The two were contacted and told they were going to be given citations for cutting wood in that area. They were warned that if they were seen cutting wood again there would be criminal charges filed. The two were told to drop the wood at the City Shop and they complied. VPD would like to remind local wood harvesters that no City land is currently open to wood cutting, and the only local State land open to woodcutting is across the Lowe River Basin and generally requires winter seasonal access.
10/25/18
Possible Drunk Driver – A concerned citizen called in a REDDI report on a vehicle driving erratically and they believed the person was intoxicated. Officers responded to the area but were unable to find the vehicle.
Noise Disturbance – A report of a loud explosion was called in. The caller thought the noise might have come from around the area of the Valdez Mobile Home Park. An Officer arrived in the area and did not see anything suspicious. No other calls were received about the noise.
10/26/18
Arrest – Tim L Mills, DOB 9/28/63, of Valdez, was arrested for Violating Conditions of Release, he was released on a $250 bail. His original charge was for Burglary 1, and Assault 4.
Agency Assist – Alaska State Troopers requested Valdez Police Department’s help in apprehending a suspect that had been involved in an armed robbery at a residence in the area of the Tok Cut-Off. Glennallen Troopers observed one of the suspects driving a black 2012 Dodge Ram truck that had been stolen during the earlier robbery. Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle near MP 117 of the Richardson Highway, however the suspect failed to yield and a high speed pursuit ensued toward Valdez. Valdez Police worked to clear the roadways of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic prior to the pursuit arriving in our jurisdiction. The individual was apprehended at mile post 8 without incident.
Todd A Margerum, DOB: 10/04/1970, of Anchorage, was arrested by AST and booked into the Valdez Jail. Margerum was charged with Failure to Stop at Direction of a Peace Officer, three counts of Reckless Driving, and Violating Conditions of Release.
Further charges are forthcoming from the initial robbery and theft incident from Tok AST. Margerum’s bail was set at $10,000 cash only appearance and $5,000 cash only performance for the state cases. In addition, Margerum is being held on a no bail warrant from the U.S. Marshals in an unrelated federal case.
Valdez Police is asking for assistance from motorists who may have been on this section of the road during the pursuit. If, while driving, you were forced to take evasive action or pull off of the roadway to avoid a collision with the suspect vehicle (a 2012 black Dodge Ram pickup) please contact the Valdez Police Department at 835-4560 and reference case # 18-5794.
Possible Drunk Driver – A REDDI report was received from a concerned motorist who saw a vehicle with only their parking lights on and the vehicle was weaving within their lane. Officers initially were unable to find the vehicle but later found it and spoke with the driver. The driver stated they were having issues with their lights and they were found to not be impaired.
Gunshot Heard – A report of a single gunshot was received. An Officer arrived in the area and spoke to another individual who also heard the sound. The Officer did not see anything suspicious and no other gunshots were heard.
10/27/18
Burglar Alarm – An alarm was set off at a local bar. Police arrived to find the employees leaving the building and they had accidentally set the alarm off.
Information – The Valdez Police Department participated in the DEA National Rx (Prescription) Take Back Day. Since the last prescription Drug Take Back Day (April 2018) the Valdez Police Department has collected, and safely disposed of, 84 pounds of prescription drugs.
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Total Calls for Police & Animal Control: 110
10/29/18
DUI: Having just concluded routine school patrol, Officers observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop. Subsequently, Raymond A. Fridley, DOB 3/2/66, of Lapwai, ID, was arrested for DUI. His breath alcohol registered a .226 …..at 9am. He was later released after posting bail.
Drug Disposal: 84 pounds of drugs were disposed of from the drug disposal bin in the lobby of City Hall.
MVA w/injuries: A motor vehicle accident occurred during the first local snow fall of the year. Minor injuries were reported and two individuals were transported to the hospital.
Family Dispute: A father called to report his child was uncontrollable and requested Officer Assistance. Officers responded and had a conversation with the child and left them both to discuss their issues.
10/30/18
Arrested: Arrested Corie J. Taylor, DOB 10/5/83, of Valdez, on 4 counts of Violating Conditions of Release. His original charges were for Criminal Trespass, Resisting or Interfering with an Arrest, and Assault. He was released on an unsecured bond and electronic monitoring.
Bench Warrant: David J. Gadomski, DOB 4/17/78, of Valdez, was arrested on a Valdez Bench Warrant for Failing to Appear for his Petition to Revoke Probation Arraignment. Original charge: DUI.
Domestic Disturbance: A caller reported that their spouse had smacked them in the face. Officers arrived at the scene and found no visible signs of any physical altercations. Both parties were separated for the night.
Harassment: A Valdez resident reported receiving troubling and harassing communication, via the mail, from an inmate incarcerated at Spring Creek Correctional Complex. VPD advised the prison authorities, who have prohibited the communication from this point forward.
10/31/18
Public Service: A Halloween safety presentation was given to students at Hermon Hutchens Elementary School.
Disturbance Noise: A caller reported a loud bonfire party that had woke them up. An Officer responded to the area and spoke with the people having the bonfire. The party goers agreed to take the festivities inside and keep it down.
11/1/18
Public Assist: An Officer assisted a motorist whose vehicle was disabled.
Abandoned Vehicle: Complainant reported a possibly abandoned vehicle that will impede snow removal if it remains in place. A tow notification was placed on the vehicle.
Family Issues: Caller requested to speak with an Officer regarding issues obtaining personal belongings from family members in another state.
Trespassing: A local business requested Officers trespass an individual from their property.
Fish & Game: AK Wildlife Trooper responded to a report of an injured eagle. The eagle was deceased and disposed of properly.
Traffic Complaint: Complainant reported that a vehicle was going very slow on the highway. Complainant stated that the vehicle had been sitting at a gas pump for a long period of time prior to and had seemed scattered when the caller had made contact with the driver at the gas pump. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle.
Assist Medical: Officers assisted EMS on a medical call.
11/2/18
Civil Dispute: Caller reported that their landlord shut off the power, including hot water, for 7 days. An Officer and the complainant spoke at length about ongoing landlord issues, as well as resources and means to address them.
Welfare Check: Officers were requested to perform a welfare check on a student who hadn’t been to school in several days. Officers were able to contact a parent who confirmed the student had ongoing medical issues that were keeping them from attending school.
Animal Bite: Complainant reported an individual had been bitten by a dog. ACO responded and quarantined the dog.
Civil Standby: Officers stood by while an individual removed their belongings from a residence.
ALICE Training: Officers performed ALICE training at the elementary school.
Animal at Large: Caller reported their dog was missing. ACO picked up the dog and released it back to its owner.
Animal at Large: Caller requested the ACO pick up a loose dog at their residence. The owner was able to retrieve their dog from the caller.
Stop FI: While on patrol, an Officer came upon a bonfire and contacted several teens.
11/3/18
Parking: Complainant reported a vehicle parked near the road on Atigun Drive. Owner was contacted, vehicle had died and they were working on getting it moved.
Harassment: Caller requested to speak to an Officer regarding having issues with an ex-boyfriend and was needing information about Protective Orders.
Theft of Property: Complainant reported that items had been stolen from their vehicle while it was parked at the airport. Please contact VPD, reference case 18-5906 if you have any information useful to the investigation.
Firewood Cutting Issues: While on patrol, an Officer contacted individuals cutting wood and verified they were authorized to do so.
11/4/18
Suspicious Person: Caller requested to speak to an Officer regarding suspicious persons coming into their business.
Violate Conditions of Release: Corie J. Taylor, DOB 10/5/1983, of Valdez, was arrested on 4 counts of Violating Conditions of Release and cited for Driving While License Suspended.
Total Calls for Police & Animal Control: 106
