FAIRBANKS-At three o’clock in the morning, Wednesday, July 13th, Alaska State troopers in Fairbanks received a call from Allakaket of a person shot with a shotgun in the leg. After arriving in Allakaket, investigation revealed that during a scuffle that night, while fighting for control of a shotgun, it discharged striking Joseph Semaken.

Further investigation by Fairbanks Troopers found that on July 12th, a worker at the village clinic, Lily Henry, age 29, had transported vodka to the village and had sold a quantity to the persons involved in the altercation, Lawrence Edwards, 29, Elisa Bergman, 24, Lou Jean Beetus, 23, and Michael Williams, 39 all of Allakaket. It was also found that Michael Williams also manufactured and sold alcohol to the other three prior to the incident.

While consuming the alcohol at the Edwards residence that night, Edwards came into possession of a shotgun. While Edwards, Bergman, and Beetus struggled for control of the weapon, it discharged and struck Semaken, who was nearby. Lily Henry was called to the residence to administer to the wound. He was subsequently transported by air ambulance to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Edwards, Bergman and Beetus were charged with Assault II, MIW IV, and Alcohol possession, as well as purchasing alcohol from a non-licensee. Edwards and Bergman were also charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.

Williams was charged with Manufacturing of alcohol, Possessing alcohol in a location where alcohol is banned by voters, alcohol purchase from a non-licensee, and alcohol sales without a permit.

Henry was charged with possessing alcohol where alcohol is banned by voters and alcohol sales without a permit.

All five were transported and remanded to Fairbanks Correctional Center pending arraignment.