Sterling man shoots neighbor's generator, returns armed and drunk, threatens troopers' children

A Sterling man allegedly shot a neighbor's gas generator Monday night, then returned to the scene on an ATV while carrying a pistol and showing signs of intoxication, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Troopers responded at about 9:22 p.m. on July 20 to a disturbance on Scout Lake Loop Road. The victim told troopers that the suspect, 42, had come to his home and shot the generator after the owner refused to sell it. Troopers found the older-model gas generator with bullet holes in it.

The man came back while troopers were still on scene, riding an ATV and armed with a Ruger 1911 .45 caliber pistol. Troopers noted bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and unsteadiness on his feet. He refused field sobriety tests.

Troopers arrested him on DUI, two counts of Misconduct Involving Weapons in the 4th degree, and Criminal Mischief in the 5th degree. He was transported to the Alaska State Troopers post for a breath test, refused to provide a sample, and was charged with refusal. Troopers then took him to Central Peninsula Hospital for a legal blood draw.

Leaving the scene, he told troopers the victim would be "hanging from his rafters before he got out of jail." He said that "if you wanted to hurt someone you should go after their kids," directing that threat at the responding troopers' children. En route to the hospital, he said he would murder inmates in jail.

The suspect was remanded to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on charges including DUI, Misconduct Involving Weapons, Criminal Mischief, and refusal to provide a breath sample. All charges are accusations; he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.