Alaska News April 24, 2019

By Daniel Kirby: Anchorage woman pleads guilty to first degree murder in 2012 burning death of her fiancé
Virgilio’s plea agreement leaves sentencing in the hands of the judge, with a range of between 30 and 70 years.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 4.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Man convicted of stabbing APD officer in 2012
Superior Court Judge Kevin Saxby, who oversaw the case according to Novak, is set to sentence Thompson on Aug. 30. He faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, a $450,000 fine or both.
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Man sexually abused foster children, troopers say
Akens was initially held at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility on a total of $100,000 bail, with monitoring by the state Pretrial Enforcement Division required if he is released.
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: ‘Ragin’ Contagion’ exercise tests Nome’s ability to respond to epidemics; Juneau authorities investigate possible arson linked to explosion and fire; As part of Dunleavy administration directive, ADF&G considered selling its hatcheries; Juneau students on exchange get a taste of life in Western Alaska and more->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Alaska Congressional Delegation Welcomes Progress on Icebreaker; Saxman Teen Taken into Custody on Multiple Charges following DV Incident; NYO Kicks Off in Anchorage as Traditional Games Test Skill, Promote Cross-cultural Respect and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Sullivan bringing ‘Choose Respect’ to D.C.; HEALTH REPORT: What to do when Pink Eye appears; AST investigation into gun brandished at West Valley High School; Alaska State Troopers Release Most Wanted List and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Marleah Makpiaq LaBelle: ‘Alaska Native values guide my work and life’
 
 
 
 
Anchorage teacher shares journey to citizenship with students Japanese language teacher Yoko Grove took her oath of U.S. Citizenship at the East High School auditorium.
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: WATCH: Fuzzy 1-day-old otter pup taken in at SeaLife Center
 
 
 
 
By Shannon Ballard: Alaska Zoo polar bear gifted giant, plastic pickle
 
 
 
 

IT’S WHAT NOT TO DO WEDNESDAY! ? #WNTDW

There are many things that require a great deal of responsibility: driving a vehicle, raising children, and owning pets are just a few. Another is owning a firearm. That’s the one we’re going to discuss today.

A lady was woken up in the middle of the night by a loud noise. Assuming it was her neighbor being his usual loud self, she rolled over and went back to sleep. Imagine her surprise when her son got up the next morning and found a bullet laying on their living room floor. The bullet had traveled through their ceiling from the apartment above and into their coffee table. Thank goodness it was that piece of furniture and not an occupied bed.

According to the upstairs neighbor, he was unloading his weapon when it “accidentally” discharged. He did not go downstairs to see if everyone was okay. That is NOT okay. He was criminally charged for his plethora of bad decision making.

With very few and rare exceptions, guns discharge because someone pulled the trigger. If you do not want to be the person explaining to a family why they are planning an untimely funeral, you need to follow the four firearm safety rules. These are the same rules that are drilled into the head of every gun-carrying individual who works for our department. Even our employees who don’t carry a firearm know these rules:

1️⃣ All guns are always loaded.
2️⃣ Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3️⃣ Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
4️⃣ Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

If you don’t want a bullet to come out of the barrel, keep your finger on the outside of the trigger guard. Always.

Use your inside voice, play well with others, and remember we’re all in this together.

Anchorage Police Department