Calling out Copper River salmon fishermen

Federal officials came out today with some pointed counsel: "Do not kill or injure seals and sea lions and harm the good name of your world-class fishery."

Arrest made in Coast Guard double homicide

Federal prosecutors just issued the following press release:

Feb. 15, 2013

U.S. attorney announces arrest for murder of Coast Guard employees in Kodiak

ANCHORAGE — U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that James Michael Wells of Kodiak was arrested today for the murder of U.S. Coast Guard Electrician's Mate 1st Class James Hopkins and retired Chief Boatswain's Mate Richard Belisle.

Hopkins and Belisle, who was working as a Coast Guard civilian employee, were murdered at the U.S. Coast Guard Communications Station Kodiak on April 12, 2012.

Wells was arrested under a federal arrest warrant based on a criminal complaint.

Loeffler notes that the arrest comes after an extensive investigation led by the FBI and the Coast Guard Investigative Service, with support from the Alaska State Troopers.

It is anticipated that Wells will appear in court in Anchorage next week.

Kodiak shooting victims named as FBI investigates

From the U.S. Coast Guard:

April 13, 2012

Coast Guard mourns loss of two shipmates

JUNEAU — The Coast Guard Investigative Service continues to work with the FBI, Alaska State Troopers and the Kodiak Police Department to investigate the shooting deaths of two Coast Guard employees that occurred Thursday at Coast Guard Communications Station Kodiak.

The Coast Guard has been informed by the FBI that they are treating this investigation as a double homicide. There is no evidence to suggest these deaths are the result of a murder suicide. No arrests have been made and all residents are advised to use reasonable safety precautions and to report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency.

The victims have been identified as Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class James Hopkins, an electronics technician, and Richard Belisle, a civilian employee and retired Coast Guard chief petty officer.

"As an organization with roots in saving lives and a focus on protecting people, this tragic event has shocked us all," said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander, 17th Coast Guard District. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families, their loved ones and the entire Kodiak community."

"Our Coast Guard team from across the nation has been extremely supportive and we have sent a number of crisis response personnel and resources to Kodiak to assist the victims' families, friends and coworkers as they cope with this tragedy," Ostebo said.

Two shot dead at Kodiak Coast Guard station

Here's a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

April 12, 2012

Two fatalities investigated at Communications Station Kodiak

KODIAK — The Coast Guard is working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate the shooting deaths of two members at Coast Guard Communications Station Kodiak.

As a safety precaution the base and local schools are on lockdown until we can ensure no threat exists.

"It is possible that the suspect remains at large," said Capt. Jesse Moore, commanding officer, Coast Guard Base Support Unit Kodiak. "Since we don't have all the details, we strongly advise all Kodiak residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement officials."

"We are deeply saddened that we lost two shipmates," Moore said. "This is a rare occurrence and we are going to do everything possible to ensure we find out exactly what happened."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of our lost shipmates and we will provide all the necessary support and guidance they need as they grieve their loved ones," Moore said.

The names of the deceased will not be released until next of kin notifications are complete.