The Big Lake Times
Local, Trusted, Original - True Free Press
Location: Big LakeType: Arrest
On July 9, 2026, at approximately 15:00 (3 p.m.), AST responded to a reported assault near Big Lake Elementary School.
Investigation identified Kurt Denning as the suspect. Evidence and witness statements indicated Denning assaulted his girlfriend inside their vehicle at the elementary school. Denning was arrested for Assault IV (DV) and remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial.
Location: Big LakeType: DUI
On 07/10/2026 at approximately 2115 hours (9:15 p.m.), AST received a 911 call regarding a disturbance at the NorthShore campground in Big Lake. AST responded, and an investigation revealed that Nicolas Holland, 23, of Wasilla, and Allen Swartzbacker, 26, of Wasilla, were operating a Jet ski while intoxicated.
Nicolas and Allen were transported to Mat-Su pretrial on charges of driving under the influence and released on their own recognizance.
Numerous charges after 3 minute pursuit in Big Lake
Dispatch Text:
On 07/08/2026 at approximately 1851 hours (6:51 p.m.), the Mat-Su Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU) attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in Big Lake. The vehicle failed to yield to emergency lights and sirens, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.
After an approximately three-minute pursuit, CSU conducted a PIT maneuver and blocked the vehicle in the ditch to prevent the vehicle from escaping. The suspect subsequently fled the vehicle on foot.
Palmer patrol responded to the incident location and apprehended the suspect who was identified as thirty-one-year-old Zackery Cornelius-Vincent. Cornelius-Vincent had numerous felony warrants for his arrest on the original charges of Failure to Stop at the Direction of a Peace Officer in the First Degree, Petition to Revoke Probation (PTRP), Vehicle Theft in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Theft in the Fourth Degree, and Violating Conditions of Release (VCOR).
Cornelius-Vincent was placed under arrest for his outstanding warrants as well as a new charge of Failure to Stop at the Direction of a Peace Officer in the First Degree. Cornelius-Vincent was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial without bail. The investigation is ongoing.
Location: Wasilla
Type: MICS 5
On 7/5/26 at approximately 0002 hours, AST received a report of a female passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle at the Speedway Express gas station at Palmer-Wasilla Hwy and Seward-Meridian Pkwy in Wasilla.
Troopers responded and investigation revealed that Serenity Schmidt, age 50 of Big Lake, was in possession of meth. Serenity was arrested and remanded to MSPT for MICS 5.
Location: Big Lake
Type: Assault 4 DV
On 7/4/26 at approximately 0136 hours, AST received a report of a disturbance at 22800 W Susitna Pkwy in Big Lake.
It was reported that a male was highly intoxicated and had assaulted multiple people. He was currently detained and hog-tied by other people on scene. An intoxicated female began assaulting them, and she was being detained in a similar fashion.
AST responded and investigation revealed that Wesley Vent, age 32 of Anchorage and Amber Bates, age 31 of Anchorage, assaulted family members in the presence of children. Amber was arrested and remanded to MSPT for Assault 4 DV, Assault 4, and Assault in the Presence of a Child DV x4. Wes was arrested and remanded to MSPT for Assault 4 DV x2 and Assault in the Presence of a Child DV x4.
Location: Houston
Type: DV Assault
On 06/09/2026 at approximately 1810 hours, Troopers responded to a reported assault along Zero Lake Road in Houston. Investigation revealed that Terry Cunitz, age 48 of Wasilla assaulted someone during the incident. Cunitz was later located at his residence in Wasilla where he was arrested for Assault 4 DV. He was medically cleared at Mat Su Regional Hospital, and transported to MSPT in Palmer where he was held without bail.
Type: Death Investigation
On June 2, 2026, the Alaska State Troopers responded to a report of a deceased person at a residence, in the Houston area. The deceased was identified as 43-year-old Houston resident Jessica Marks. Foul play is not suspected. The State Medical Examiner’s Office took possession of the body. Next of kin has been notified.
Type: DUI
On 6/5/26 at approximately 1831 hours, AST received a report of a motor vehicle collision in the Three Bears parking lot in Big Lake. AST responded and investigation revealed that Jiri Prudic, age 72 of Big Lake, had driven while intoxicated. Jiri was arrested and remanded to MSPT for DUI.
Location: Palmer
Type: Warrant Arrest
On 06/01/2026 at approximately 1500 hours, Court Services Officers assigned to Palmer Judicial Services arrested Cody Lloyd Ives, age 41, of Big Lake for an outstanding arrest warrant for Promoting Contraband in the First Degree. Ives was served with the warrant while in-custody at Matsu Pretrial Facility in Palmer on unrelated charges. Bail was set at $500 cash performance.
Any charges reported in these press releases are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
