Crime & Courts

Couple accused of stealing troopers cruiser arrested in Wasilla

The married couple accused of stealing an Alaska State Troopers cruiser in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough this week was arrested in Wasilla on Thursday, the agency said.

Amber and Joshua Watford were taken into custody without incident at a home on Alvin's Alley in Wasilla around 7:30 p.m., troopers reported in an online dispatch. Troopers spokesperson Megan Peters said the couple was located after the agency received an anonymous tip.

At the home, officers also found a 2000 Dodge pickup that had been reported stolen earlier in the day, as well as another man wanted on an outstanding warrant. The truck was returned to its owner, and 24-year-old Charles Hood was arrested on the warrant for failure to comply with conditions of probation, troopers said.

It wasn't immediately clear who stole the truck, Peters said, but the Watfords were "in possession of a stolen vehicle and they were charged with vehicle theft."

The trooper cruiser was stolen Wednesday afternoon. Joshua Watford, 38, had just been handcuffed and placed in the back seat of the troopers patrol SUV. Troopers said he had been arrested on an outstanding warrant.

A passing motorist stopped to ask the trooper a question. While they spoke, 28-year-old Amber Watford got into the driver's seat and drove away, Troopers said.

The cruiser was found undamaged about an hour later on West Fireweed Drive in Big Lake.

ADVERTISEMENT

Both of the Watfords and Hood were taken to Mat-Su Pretrial. Joshua Watford is being held without bail. Amber Watford was being held on $20,000 bail, plus a third-party custodian. Hood was being held on $5,000 bail, plus a third-party custodian.

Troopers didn't specify which of the Watfords was charged with which crimes, but the charges included first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree hindering prosecution, first-degree vehicle theft, two counts of third-degree escape, two counts of second-degree vehicle theft, two counts of second-degree theft and third-degree assault, troopers wrote.

Megan Edge

Megan Edge is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News.

ADVERTISEMENT