Crime & Courts

Man arrested after reportedly trying to ram fishing vessels with boat near Sitka

A Klawock man faces a slew of charges, including boating under the influence, after Alaska State Troopers say he ran his fishing vessel over other vessels' deployed gear near Sitka on Saturday.

Troopers said in a Sunday dispatch that 33-year-old Timothy D. Demmert was taken into custody after several calls shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, reporting "a fishing vessel attempting to ram other vessels" during the Sitka Sound winter salmon troll fishery near Cape Edgecumbe.

"Investigation revealed (Demmert) was operating the 47-foot power troller F/V Emmanuel and had intentionally run over gear of other fishermen causing loss of the gear and loss of fishing time," troopers wrote. "Demmert refused a boarding at sea by troopers and was eventually boarded in Sitka Harbor at (6:24 p.m.) where he was found to be under the influence (of) alcohol and in possession of a loaded shotgun."

A Coast Guard database lists Demmert as owner of the Emmanuel, a 31-ton steel-hulled vessel built in 1977.

Troopers charged Demmert with watercraft DUI, refusing the boarding of a commercial vessel, interfering with commercial fishing gear, reckless endangerment and fourth-degree counts of criminal mischief and misconduct involving weapons.

Demmert was held at the Sitka Jail on a $10,000 bond. Troopers said more charges against him will likely be forwarded to the Sitka district attorney's office as an investigation of the incident continues.

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