Any charges reported in this press release are merely accusations
and the Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
12/3/18
Animal at Large: A Caller reported that they were unable to get into their vehicle due to an aggressive dog. The CSO contacted the owner who was on their way home to take care of the dog.
Animal at Large: A caller reported two yellow labs running loose in the Robe River Subdivision heading for the highway. CSO was unable to locate the dogs.
Abandoned Vehicle: A complainant reported a vehicle had been abandoned and hadn’t been moved from the area for the past year. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and is making arrangements to get it moved.
VID: A vehicle was reported to have slid off the road on the tide flats. A tow truck was able to remove the vehicle.
Fireworks: Dispatch received several calls regarding fireworks being set off at varying locations in town. Officers contacted individuals on S. Harbor drive and advised them of the city ordinance. As a reminder, firework detonation in Valdez is prohibited until New Year’s Eve.
12/4/18
Animal at Large: A caller reported that their dog was being chased by a dog that was running loose in the area. ACO contacted the owner of the aggressive dog.
Traffic Hazard: A complainant reported a man in black clothing riding his bike in middle of the road on the tide flats causing them to almost wreck while trying to avoid him. Upon arrival in the area, the individual had already made their way home and was no longer in the roadway. VPD would like to advise any cyclists or pedestrians that are using the roadways that they are responsible for making themselves visible. A front and rear light source as well as bright reflective clothing or a safety vest would be preferable so that approaching motorists can see you from a sufficient distance.
MVA: A vehicle was reported to have gone off the road, hitting some trees. Police and EMS were dispatch to the scene and found the driver was not injured and the vehicle had not suffered any damage.
In case anyone has been living under a rock these past few weeks, FYI- it has been very wet and cold. These two weather combinations result in something we like to call “ice”. Ice is slick, and car tires don’t like to grip on it all that well. Please slow down when “icy” conditions are present…like pretty much from now till summer.
VID: While en route to another call, EMS came across a vehicle that had gone into the ditch. Officers arrived on scene and contacted the driver who was not injured and able to call his wife for a road home. (see above call for suggestions)
12/5/18
Snow Removal: Although less than last week, there were still many vehicles parked on the streets around town impeding snow removal. VPD would like to remind folks…again, that we are in our “rain/snow” season. Failure to move vehicles off of city streets prior to snow removal operations will result in a call or visit from one of our friendly Officers. They will bring with them, a hand-written note of good tidings that “suggests” you “donate” to the City General Fund via the Valdez District Court.
Welfare Check: A citizen was concerned about the living arrangements of another individual who was not acting himself. An Officer spoke with the complainant about the situation and determined that the individual was not in danger.
12/6/18
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DUI: Melissa Suzanne Erb-Bowden, DOB 04/11/1966, of Valdez was arrested for Driving under the Influence and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Her breath-alcohol content registered .285. Ms. Bowden was transported to the Valdez Jail for processing and released to a sober party on $500 bail.
DUI: Shortly after being released on bail, Melissa Suzanne Erb-Bowden, DOB 04/11/1966, of Valdez was arrested for Driving under the Influence and Violating Conditions of Release. Her breath-alcohol content registered .215. Ms. Bowden was processed and once again released to a sober party on $1,250 bail.
Traffic Hazard: An individual was riding their bike on the highway in the dark and was reported that it was difficult to see them. The complainant stated they didn’t have a light or reflective gear. An Officer responded to the area and saw much to their disbelief, that the individual did have a light and was clearly visible. The cyclist was given a gold star because…you know, safety!
12/7/18
Sentencing: James Paul Lewis, DOB 06/17/1988, of Welton, AZ was transported to the Valdez Court to be sentenced on a charge of Sexual Assault in the 2nd Degree. Mr. Lewis was sentenced 5 years w/ 3 years suspended. He was arrested on this charge on 08/13/2017 and has remained in custody since then. He will finish serving his sentence at the Valdez Jail and be released after all imposed time is served.
Burglary: A complainant reported that a pry bar was used to gain access to Atco trailer at a local storage facility. After the complainant and Officers inspected all of the contents, it was found that nothing appeared to have been taken.
VID: An Officer witnessed two vehicles go in to the ditch and stopped to assist. It was determined that the driver of the first vehicle had tried getting their sandwich that fell on the floor and lost control of their vehicle. The first vehicle went in to the ditch which caused the vehicle behind them to go in to the ditch as well. Neither vehicle sustained any damage and both drivers were able to drive away. VPD advises drivers to use extreme caution in these icy conditions, and please, just leave the danged sandwich on the floor until you can stop to retrieve it!
12/8/18
Suspicious Activity: A door was reported open and lights being turned off and on at Peter Pan Seafood’s. Officers found a door unsecured, but it did not appear anyone was in the area.
Welfare Check: A caller from out of town reported that their son along with three friends were camping and riding snow machines at approx. MP 27 on the Richardson Hwy. The riders did not check in when they said they would do so. The parents of the individuals were worried due to high avalanche danger in the area with the heavy snow and rain. VPD Dispatch contacted DOT in Thompson Pass who assisted and found the individuals camping and all were accounted for.
12/9/18
Gunshots Heard: A complainant reported hearing 5 “gunshots” coming from the area of Oumalik St. Officers patrolled the area and found that the “gunshots” were fireworks coming from a residence on Hanagita behind the Complainant’s residence.
Fish & Game: A large eagle appeared to be injured and was on the side of the road. The eagle was determined to have been a “faker” just looking for sympathy and had left the area prior to CSO arrival.
Animal at Large: Two Golden Retrievers were running loose. They were located by the CSO and returned to their owner, who was given an animal(s) at large warning.
Agency Assist: Two hunters called 911 to report that they had been dropped off on Hinchinbrook Island via boat with plans to be picked back up later in the day. With the challenging weather and poor visibility, they were unable to locate the boat and they became lost while searching for it. While a search and rescue effort was mobilized with AST, the hunters called back and advised that they were able to find the other party with the boat and no longer needed assistance.
Assist EMS Crew: Officers assisted EMS on a medical call in which a person was found to be unresponsive. The individual was transported to the Providence Valdez Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
