Wrangell police said they encountered a difficult arrest Thursday night when a man wanted in Washington state resisted. The police department received a call from The Stikine Inn, a local restaurant and hotel, Thursday at about 7:30 p.m. about a man who was causing a disturbance.
Officers located 43-year-old William Nakamura at J&W’s restaurant. Police learned that he had warrants in Washington for escape and assault with a deadly weapon. When they tried to arrest him, police said Nakamura resisted and bit Officer Cody Paul on the finger. He also allegedly kicked another officer and attempted to take a firearm from one.
Police said an officer tased the man after making several attempts to handcuff him while he continuously spat at the two officers. Eventually they pinned the man to the ground while waiting for backup. After other officers responded to the scene, they restrained Nakamura in handcuffs.
An ambulance took Nakamura to the local hospital for what police called minor injuries and for observation. Afterward, law enforcement transferred him to the Wrangell Jail where he allegedly kicked Sgt. Nick Pierson at the police department.
Police said, because of this, Nakamura was held in a restraint chair to restrict his movements.
Suspect will probably move to another community’s jail
Wrangell Police Chief Gene Meek said that Nakamura had a hearing this morning.
“He went into arraignment; he pled not guilty to all the counts that are there,” Meek said. “They’re going to delay sending him back to Washington for the original warrants until his charges are taken care of here in the state of Alaska.”
Meek said Nakamura has a second hearing in 10 days but he will probably be sent to another jail before then.
“The paperwork is in the process to have him move from Wrangell because of the potential of violence between him and the officers,” he said.
Nakamura’s charges are for two warrants, one count of assault for attempting to take an officer’s weapon, one count of assault for biting an officer and one count for assault for kicking an officer. He also has three counts of harassment for spitting on officers and resisting arrest.
The incident is still under investigation.
