Alaska State Troopers are investigating a series of unrelated thefts in Teller, Elim, and Nome.
The first case involves a break-in that happened in Teller last week, on Dec. 1, when Troopers learned the Teller Fuel Company had been burglarized and money was stolen from the business. An employee reported a broken door jamb and the missing money to Troopers, who say less than $250 was taken in the theft.
An unconnected burglary and theft was discovered a few days later at Johnny’s Corner Store in Elim on Friday, Dec. 5. Troopers report someone broke in to the store overnight and stole more than $500 worth of items, including an iPod Nano, frozen foods, energy drinks, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.
A third and separate theft happened Sunday, Dec. 7, in Nome. Troopers say they began investigating a car stolen from the Bering Air parking lot at the Nome Airport.
“The keys were hidden in the vehicle,” Trooper spokesperson Megan Peters wrote in an email, “but not well enough.”
Court records show there were tracks visible in the snow around where the car was parked. That caused the theft to be initially reported to Nome Police, and State Troopers eventually found the car 11 miles outside of Nome along the Teller Road. Troopers say 28-year-old Nicholas Epperson was found inside the stolen vehicle but refused to get out. More than an hour later, a set of spare keys was given to Troopers by the car’s owner and were used to unlock the car and “forcibly remove” Epperson from the vehicle. Peters said he “struggled” with Troopers before officers “were able to subdue him.” Epperson was taken to Anvil Mountain Correctional and faces charges for felony vehicle theft and a misdemeanor charge for resisting arrest.
He was formally charged Monday, Dec. 8 at the Nome Court and is being held on $5,000 bail. District Attorney John Earthman told the court he “does not believe [Epperson] has a home.” Epperson himself refused to speak at his arraignment. His next court date is Dec. 18.
Troopers are still investigating the thefts in Teller and Elim and ask anyone with information to contact the Trooper post in Nome at 1-800-443-2835.
