ALAKANUK, Alaska-An Alakanuk man is once again behind bars after a three day manhunt in the Western Alaska community.
On December 4th, 2011, Kevin John Patrick, age 39, escaped the holding cell in Alakanuk after requesting a restroom break. He was being held there on charges of DUI.
On December 7th, Deputies from the United States Marshall Service in Anchorage, the Alaska State Troopers and the VPSO from the community, began a search for the escapee. After a three day search, Patrick was apprehended at his girlfriend’s house in Alakanuk. He had been “house hopping” since his escape in a bid to remain free.
After his re-arrest, Patrick was transported by snow machine to Emmonak, where he was flown to Bethel and remanded to the facilities there.
This is Patrick’s second instance of escape. Nine years ago, Patrick escaped using the same ploy. Patrick was also the winner in a court case where he claimed that troopers used excessive force while arresting him. He was awarded $575,000 in that case.
Alakanuk is the longest community along the Yukon River. The town stretches for three miles along its banks. The community of 677 people lies about 15 miles up the southern channel of the Yukon from the Bering Sea. Alakanuk is 8 miles southwest of Emmonak and 162 air-miles frm Bethel.