Crime & Courts

Kodiak man sought on array of kidnapping, assault charges

A Kodiak man is wanted by Alaska State Troopers on more than a dozen counts, including kidnapping, assault and misconduct involving weapons, in connection with a Friday call.

Troopers said their search for Mark Benton, 49, began just before 7 p.m. Friday when they were informed of a disturbance at a residence on Selief Lane in Kodiak.

"Investigation revealed (Benton) had committed multiple crimes against multiple persons," troopers wrote. "Alaska State Troopers were unable to locate Benton during the course of the initial investigation."

Troopers spokesperson Megan Peters said in an email Monday afternoon that Benton had allegedly assaulted someone he was in a relationship with, then forced them into a vehicle and kept them from leaving.

"He also assaulted a different person and pointed a weapon at them," Peters said.

Troopers said a $50,000 arrest warrant has been issued for Benton. Court records Monday show him charged with six felonies, including one second-degree and fourth-degree count plus two third-degree counts of assault, as well as kidnapping and third-degree weapon misconduct. Benton is also charged with seven misdemeanor counts of violating conditions of release from previous criminal cases.

Benton's prior criminal record includes convictions after no-contest pleas to felony assault charges in 1994 and 2000, in addition to various arrests for minor offenses.

Troopers ask anyone with word on Benton's whereabouts to call the Kodiak trooper post at 907-486-4121 or Kodiak Crime Stoppers at 907-486-3113.

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