It's a nightmare scenario for any woman, let alone a teenager with no place to call home. In search of somewhere to stay, she reaches out to an acquaintance who betrays her, subjecting her to days of abuse. Anchorage Police say it happened last month in Eagle River, and are worried the 17-year-old girl who managed to get away and call for help may not be the only victim.
Four men are under arrest, accused of taking part in a kidnapping and attack. Ryan Anthony Poole, 21; Jesse Contreras, 19; Alexander Metzger, 19; and Joseph Sanford, 20, face a total of 33 charges, ranging from kidnapping and sexual and physical abuse to furnishing alcohol to a minor.
According to police, the woman had sought help from Metzger on March 16, looking for a place to stay. He and Poole took her to a home in Eagle River, where they met up with Contreras. That night, the trio offered her marijuana, forced her to drink alcohol, threatened, beat, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her. The next day a fourth man – Sanford – joined the group, and the abuse continued.
The young woman escaped after finding her cell phone and making a call to a friend. Her accused attackers were arrested March 30.
Police worry there may be other victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jade Baker at (907) 786-8900. Or, to stay anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (907) 561-7867.
Contact Jill Burke at jill(at)alaskadispatch.com