JUNEAU POLICE DEPARTMENT
6255 ALAWAY AVENUE JUNEAU, ALASKA 99801
Business (907) 586-0600
Fax (907) 463-4808
Integrity, Courage, Service, Respect
INFORMATION RELEASE
Date: 2011-01-26
From: Sgt. Steve D. Hernandez
Case or Incident: #110126-018
On 01/26/2011, at approximately 7:15 pm, the Juneau Police Department was contacted by personnel from Capital City Fire and Rescue that someone had attempted to set one of their Fire Trucks on fire. CCFR had responded to the downtown area to investigate a fire alarm at a local apartment building when the incident took place.
Upon arrival, JPD Officers spoke with both CCFR personnel and witnesses at the scene. They determined that CCFR had parked their Fire Truck, designated as Engine #12 (ladder truck) adjacent to Pocket Park, at the intersection of S. Franklin and Front Street. The Fire Truck was occupied by two Firemen who were sitting in the cab. The Firemen said that as they sat in the cab, they saw flames coming from the rear of the Fire Truck. They left the cab and used onboard fire extinguishers to extinguish the fire. The fire had originated from what appeared to be a stream of spilt gasoline on the street, which had flowed under the Fire Truck. The on-duty CCFR Captain determined that the Fire Truck would have to be taken offline until a mechanic could determine the extent of the damage. The source of the gas on the street was not located.
JPD Officers spoke with other witnesses who stated they had seen an adult male approach the stream of gasoline on the street and light it with a lighter. The flames then engulfed the rear of the Fire Truck. The male subject fled the area. A person of interest has been identified and the investigation is continuing.
Please call the Juneau Police Department at 586-0600 if you witnessed this incident. Calls can also be made anonymously to Crime Line at 586-4243.
*********UPDATE by Sgt Hatch*****
On 01-28-2011 at about 0400 hours, an alert officer on patrol saw the person of interest in this case walking along Douglas Hwy near David St. The officer contacted and detained the person, identified as 30 year old Juneau resident Alexander Stevens. Stevens was ultimately placed under arrest for Criminal Mischief Ist degree (Class A Felony) and lodged at the Lemon Creek Correctional Center without bail.
All factual allegations contained in this release are based upon preliminary investigation and are subject to change or clarification as the investigation continues. Any charges reported in this release are merely accusations and all persons named in this release are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.